Fabric March 2023

HIT THE JACKPOT

With an upcoming role in Sky's A Town Called Malice , and a BAFTA to his name, Jack Rowan feels lucky indeed

HERITAGE HOMES

With a little planning and patience you can embrace a historic house renovation

COOK IN COLOUR

Why a bright kitchen will boost both mood and property values

A spring thing

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It’s that funny time of year when it’s hard to decide whether spring has finally sprung or if winter is yet to relinquish its grip. Daffodils and warmer days are around the corner though, and now is the time to start thinking about speaking to agents if you’re planning to market your home in 2023 – read what they have to say about securing a sale this spring in our property section. And with more properties coming to the market, it’s also a good time to start your search for a new dream home; if you’re hankering after a historic house, don’t do anything before reading our enlightening feature on renovating listed and heritage buildings. Finally, if the weather isn’t obliging, and you’re longing for some sunshine, you can get a dose of vicarious vitamin D in cover star Jack Rowan’s new show, which begins on Sky this month. A Town Called Malice is the intoxicating saga of a family of London gangsters who move to Spain to reset their fortunes. Set to an irresistible 80s soundtrack, it’s filled with romance, obsession and swagger. Glorious escapism.

OUR AGENTS

Arlington Residential arlingtonresidential.com

Aston Chase astonchase.com

Bargets bargets.co.uk

Beauchamp Estates beauchamp.com

Behr & Butchoff behrandbutchoff.com

Benham & Reeves benhams.com

Chancellors chancellors.co.uk

Chestertons chestertons.com

Day Morris daymorris.co.uk

Dexters dexters.co.uk

Druce druce.com

Glentree glentree.co.uk

Godfrey & Barr godfreyandbarr.com

Goldschmidt & Howland g-h.co.uk

Hamptons hamptons.co.uk

Heathgate heathgate.com

Jeremy James & Company jeremy-james.co.uk

Knight Frank knightfrank.co.uk

Litchfields litchfields.com

Parkheath parkheath.com

Plaza Estates plazaestates.co.uk

Savills savills.co.uk

TK International t-k.co.uk

Winkworth Maida Vale winkworth.co.uk

Winkworth St. John’s Wood winkworth.co.uk

Winkworth West End winkworth.co.uk

Jack wears: shirt, tie, blazer, trousers and coat, all by Anglo Italian

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Editorial Director Liz Skone James Creative Director Penny Clements

Interiors Editor Ali Howard Schools Editor Claire Atherton Client Services Director Becky Pomfret

Social Media Manager Alice Bradley Photography Director Emmanuelle Peri Assistant Picture Editor Georgia Watson Production Alex Courtley & Heidi Pomfret Retouch Gabriel Moroney Advertising Debbie Russell debbie@fabricmagazine.co.uk +44 7811 347299

New Homes & Developments Karen de Pommereau karen@fabricmagazine.co.uk +33 6 70 80 42 45

Publisher Katie Hutley

FABRIC MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED 12 TIMES A YEAR on behalf of REAP Magazines Ltd by Hatton Collective Ltd, 27 Mortimer Street, London, W1T 3BL fabricmagazine.co.uk

REAP LTD

Glentree Estates Trevor Abrahmsohn Goldschmidt & Howland Philip Green Savills Jonathan Hewlett Aston Chase Mark Pollack

Jack Rowan Photographed by Lee Malone

Liz Skone James liz@hattoncollective.com

CONTENTS

LIFESTYLE

31 SHOPPING

We’ve got perfect perfumes aplenty this month

/ 56

Make

32 CULTURE

Your guide to London’s hottest happenings

35 HISTORIC HOMES

With patience and planning, a heritage renovation needn’t be a headache, say the experts

38 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: JACK ROWAN

On how an injury in the boxing ring saw him pursue a career in acting, and his latest dream role

45 STYLE

Tips on choosing a signature scent, plus facing the future with new skincare and aesthetics launches

48 FOOD & DRINK

We fall for Mayfair’s glitzy new Armenian eatery and cook up an Italian storm with Theo Randall

TRAVEL

51 SPOTLIGHT ON

There’s still snow to be had on the slopes of Courchevel – we uncover the best places to stay

52 TRAVEL REVIEW

55

OKA’s Liaodong pot in sea blue

Explore Puglia’s delicious food and wine, beautiful beaches, friendly people and stylish simplicity 31

Discover the best new luxury fragrances

INTERIORS

55 INTERIORS NEWS

Your guide to what’s new in the world of interiors

56 KITCHENS

Be bold and reap the benefits of a colourful kitchen

58 AT HOME WITH

Birdie Fortescue, of the eponymous interiors brand, shows us around her gorgeous Georgian home

60 DESIGNER PROFILE

Lighting designer Ian Cameron shines a light on the work of Cameron Design House and Empty State

SCHOOLS

65 A CAPITAL EDUCATION

Meet the heads of Haberdashers’ Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, and discover how London’s independent schools are supporting their communities

PROPERTY

71 TALKING POINTS

Is spring really the best time to market your home?

72 HOT PROPERTY

The best homes on the market this month

74 THE LAST WORD

Meet Marc Lewis, associate director at Winkworth St. John’s Wood

Haara by Cameron Design House

BATHROOMS DESIGNED AROUND YOU.

Queens Avenue, N10

£3,200,000

With an impressive landscaped garden and rear extension, this double fronted house has plenty of outside space. There is a generous family area, formal reception room as well as a cinema room. Retaining beautiful period features throughout, this charming home is full of character with a twist of modern living. Situated close to the heart of Muswell Hill Broadway and Alexandra Park, energy rating d.

Dexters Muswell Hill. 418 Muswell Hill Broadway, London, N10 1DJ T: 020 8444 2388 E: muswellhillsales@dexters.co.uk

dexters.co.uk

Kings Avenue, N10

£2,500,000

This five bedroom Edwardian home sits within the catchment area of outstanding local schools making it the perfect address for a growing family. There is an open plan kitchen with bi-folding doors leading onto the garden which would be great for entertaining family and friends. Arranged over three floors, the house includes an original fireplace, sash windows and high ceilings, energy rating d.

Dexters Muswell Hill. 418 Muswell Hill Broadway, London, N10 1DJ

T: 020 8444 2388 E: muswellhillsales@dexters.co.uk

020 7722 7222

105 St John’s Wood Terrace, NW8 6PL email: stjohnswood@behrandbutchoff.com www.behrandbutchoff.com

IMPERIAL COURT, NW8

A bright and spacious 3 bedroom 2 bathroom (1 ensuite) apartment situated on the 3rd floor in this highly regarded and sought after prestige portered block, positioned a stone’s throw from Regent’s Park. The flat boasts a front facing double reception room of approximately 30’ with a large terrace featuring direct views towards the Park. The property benefits from an allocated underground parking space, communal gym.

Imperial Court is located within walking distance of St John’s Wood High Street with its array of shopping facilities, cafes and eateries. St John’s Wood Underground Station (Jubilee Line) is close at hand.

VIDEO ENTRYPHONE • EXCELLENT 24HR PORTERAGE • PASSENGER LIFT • RESIDENTS GYM EPC - C SHARE OF FREEHOLD SOLE AGENT £3,350,000

SPRINGFIELD ROAD, NW8

A well presented 4 bedroom semi-detached period house (2518 sq ft/ 233 sqm) located on this popular tree-lined road. The house features a 26’ kitchen/family room that leads into a conservatory that has direct access to the garden. Other benefits include 2 reception rooms on the raised ground floor and off-street parking for 1 car.

Springfield Road is located on the West side of St John’s Wood and is within walking distance of The American School in London and within close proximity to St John’s Wood High Street and Underground Station (Jubilee Line).

ENTRANCE HALL • GUEST CLOAKROOM

• KITCHEN/DINING AREA

BATHROOM

• 3 FURTHER BEDROOMS

• DOUBLE ASPECT RECEPTION ROOM

• STUDY/ FAMILY ROOM

• CONSERVATORY

• MASTER BEDROOM WITH EN-SUITE

• 2 FAMILY BATHROOMS (1 EN-SUITE)

• UTILITY ROOM

020 7722 7222

105 St John’s Wood Terrace, NW8 6PL

email: stjohnswood@behrandbutchoff.com

www.behrandbutchoff.com

Enchanting Villa

Park Village West, Regent’s Park NW1 Camden Town: 0.5 miles

Stunning Grade II listed property situated on the eastern side of Regent’s Park. 4 reception rooms, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, residents’ parking, garden and terrace.

Leasehold (Lease Expiry 2161) | Ground Rent £2,000 per annum ((reviewed every 25 years)

| Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D

2,675 sq ft I Guide £4.295 million

Zach Madison

Savills St John’s Wood

020 3043 3609

zmadison@savills.com

Majestic Family House

Linnell Drive, Hampstead NW11 Golders Green Underground Station: 0.7 miles

Incredible detached home overlooking Hampstead Heath, located in one of the finest private roads in Hampstead Garden Suburb. 3 reception rooms, principal bedroom suite, 7 further bedrooms (6 en suite), family games room, gym, electric vehicle charging point, south-facing terrace and garden. Freehold | Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D

6,394 sq ft I Guide £7.75 million

James Diaper

Savills Hampstead

020 7472 5010

jdiaper@savills.com

HAMPSTEAD

An extremely well presented three-bedroom, threebathroom, 1,811 sq ft /168.2 sq m, (including limited use areas), split-level penthouse apartment which is situated on the fourth and fifth floors, with lift access set in the sought-after purpose built development Westfield.

The apartment further benefits from a spectacular 30'10" x 23'8" reception/dining room with an open-plan kitchen and double doors leading to a 136 sq ft terrace, flooding the property with natural light and o ering panoramic views over the London skyline.

The property, which is set in 4.25 acres, further comprises secure underground parking for two cars, 24hr concierge, lift, gymnasium, swimming pool, and landscaped communal gardens with feature lighting and a decorative water feature.

Tenure: Leasehold 977 years remaining

Asking Price: £2,800,000

LONDON NW3

MARYLANDS ROAD,

W9 £1,650,000 PRINCIPAL AGENT

A beautiful and spacious three double bedroom, two bathroom ground and garden maisonette with a study, forming part of an elegant red brick converted period house, located in the heart of Maida Vale. The apartment is offered in excellent condition with a grand entertaining area, high ceilings and full-length sash windows offering a wealth of natural light; a bright kitchen breakfast room with doors opening out onto a terrace and stairs leading down to a private patio garden. Marylands Road is situated close to all the amenities including boutique shops, cafes, Paddington Recreation Ground and the underground at Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo line).

Principal Bedroom With En Suite Shower Room | Two Further Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | Office/Study Room | Reception Room | Dining Room | Kitchen | Decking/Terrace | Garden | Leasehold | EPC Rating C | Council Tax Band G.

MAIDA VALE | 020 7289 1692

020 7402 9494

16 Park Road, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4SH

Facsimile: 020 7724 7055

Email: enquiries@bargets.co.uk

Exceptional Lateral Detached Family Home

Neville Drive, Hampstead Garden Suburb, N2

A spectacular opportunity to acquire an exceptional lateral detached family home in this highly sought after location directly backing onto and overlooking Hampstead Golf Course. The house is set behind a sweeping carriage driveway and provides impressive, bright, spacious and versatile family accommodation. Over three floors, the house offers incredibly generous ground floor entertaining spaces, 7 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, roof terrace, integral garage and a wonderful South facing garden.

Entrance

Contemporary Townhouse in the heart of Hampstead Village

Tercelet Terrace, Hampstead, NW3

A bright and beautifully presented contemporary townhouse situated in the centre of Hampstead Village. Arranged over four floors the ground floor features a spacious open plan reception/dining room fitted with a modern kitchen and double doors leading onto a private garden. Further accommodation comprises a first floor reception room with doors leading to a private balcony, principle bedroom suite, three further bedrooms, two bathrooms and two guest cloakrooms.

Situated within walking distance of the shops, boutiques, restaurants and transport facilities of Hampstead Village, including close proximity to the Heath.

Reception Room • Kitchen / Reception Room Onto Garden • Master Bedroom With En Suite Bathroom • Three Further Bedrooms • Two Bathrooms • Two Guest Cloakrooms • Balcony • Garden • Off Street Parking

Freehold Joint Agent Price On Application

020 7402 9494

ST JOHN ' S WOOD PARK

ST JOHN ' S WOOD PARK

A St John ' s Wood Park is a bespoke, newly-constructed luxury development of nine beautifully-crafted apartments ranging from two to four bedrooms. Designed by international award-winning architects Maccreanor Lavington, the apartments have been developed to an exceptionally high specification and incorporate luxurious finishes throughout.

A St John ' s Wood Park is a bespoke, newly-constructed luxury development of nine beautifully-crafted apartments ranging from two to four bedrooms. Designed by international award-winning architects Maccreanor Lavington, the apartments have been developed to an exceptionally high specification and incorporate luxurious finishes throughout.

The development is located on the prestigious east side of St John ' s Wood and benefits from close proximity to the extensive amenities of St John ' s Wood High Street. The property is also within easy walking distance of both Swiss Cottage and St John ' s Wood Underground Stations ( Jubilee Line ) with excellent bus links into the West End.

The development is located on the prestigious east side of St John ' s Wood and benefits from close proximity to the extensive amenities of St John ' s Wood High Street. The property is also within easy walking distance of both Swiss Cottage and St John ' s Wood Underground Stations ( Jubilee Line ) with excellent bus links into the West End.

6 Lateral Apartments, 3 Duplex Apartments, Day Concierge, Passenger Lift, Individually Controlled Comfort Cooling and Underfloor Heating to all Rooms, Kitchens by Poggenpohl, Miele Appliances, Private Parking Available by Separate Negotiation.

6 Lateral Apartments, 3 Duplex Apartments, Day Concierge, Passenger Lift, Individually Controlled Comfort Cooling and Underfloor Heating to all Rooms, Kitchens by Poggenpohl, Miele Appliances, Private Parking Available by Separate Negotiation.

SHOWROOM APARTMENTS AVAILABLE

SHOWROOM APARTMENTS AVAILABLE

Carlton Close, Hampstead, NW3

£2,250,000

3222SoleAgent|Freehold|EPCC

Situated within an attractive private road, this extremely bright Modernist townhouse (built in 1969) enjoys 1,939 sq ft/180 sq m of accommodation over three floors and is currently arranged as two bedrooms, but could be re-configured as three or four. The house provides flexible accommodation that could easily suit both a growing family or a professional couple. As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, the current owners completely stripped, replastered, re-wired and installed a new boiler, as well as fitting new architraves, skirtings, Spanish walnut doors and high-end door furniture.

The accommodation includes two 17' reception rooms that are open to the landing area creating a run of 40' with beautiful views to both the front and rear which makes for an incredible social space, and a 17'4 x 17' kitchen/dining room with patio doors to a 40' west-facing private rear garden with direct gated access into mature lawned communal gardens.

There is off-street parking for two cars, and guest parking within the road. This highly desirable private road is situated directly opposite the beautiful open spaces of Golders Hill Park and within a short walk to the wide choice of local shops, restaurants and transport facilities.

West Heath Road, Hampstead, NW3

£2,999,950

A spacious and particularly striking three/four double bedroom, two bathroom luxury family home with a stunning 51ft private west-facing landscaped garden, situated on the ground and lower ground floors of an attractive low built gated residence, with the benefit of off-street parking. This beautiful family sized apartment has undergone a painstaking remodelling and refurbishment to a meticulous standard. The property features a 50' triple reception/kitchen/dining room on the ground floor, which is semi open-plan with a wonderful front to rear aspect and abundant light.

The kitchen comprises Miele appliances and Caesarstone Primordia worktop surfaces. Further features include light smoked white oiled engineered oak flooring and underfloor heating throughout.

The property is set back from the road behind secure electronic gates on the prestigious West Heath Road, and ideally situated just moments from the vast expanses of Hampstead Heath and Golders Hill Park.

The leading estate agent for Hampstead and the surrounding areas

Marlborough Lodge, Hamilton Terrace

ST JOHNS WOOD, NW8

£1,350,000 LEASEHOLD

A well presented three bedroom top (4th) floor property with lift occupying a light and airy corner position further benefiting from a lock up garage and a delightful communal garden. Marlborough Lodge is enviably located on the highly sought after and prestigious Hamilton Terrace.

Council Tax Band F | Leasehold Term 80 years from 12/12/1967 | Entrance Hall

Reception/Dining Room | Stylish Modern Kitchen | Three Double Bedrooms | En suite Shower Room | Family Bathroom | Lift & Entry Phone | Garage in Block | Property will Benefit from an Extended Lease Term.

EPC Rating: D

Sole Agent

Winchester Road

SWISS COTTAGE/BELSIZE PARK, NW3

£1,850,000

SHARE OF FREEHOLD

This well positioned three double bedroom, 2 bathroom (one en-suite) maisonette situated over two floors. Boasting ample living space, well-presented interiors, great location, local to Hampstead, Belsize Park and Swiss Cottage. Potential to extend stpp.

Three Double Bedrooms | Period Conversion | Share of Freehold | Arranged over first and Second Floors | High Ceilings | 0.1 miles to Swiss Cottage Underground Station

Sole Agency

LINNELL C LOSE, NW11 GU IDE PRICE £3,000,000

Located in this highly sought after private close, in the heart of Hampstead Garden Suburb, we are delighted to bring to the market this 5 double bedroom, Grade 2 listed family home.

Set within a picturesque central green and designed by the renowned architects, Bunney and Makins, this stunning double fronted semi-detached property offers just over 2,500sq ft of accommodation over 3 floors. Internally on the ground floor there is a main reception room leading out to a lovely rear garden, a separate dining room, a kitchen breakfast room and a guest W.C. The first floor has 3 large double bedrooms, with the principal room offering an en suite shower room. .

There is a further family bathroom and a separate W.C for the remaining rooms on this floor. On the top floor there are 2 further double bedrooms with the potential to add an additional bathroom subject to the necessary consents. Further benefits include a driveway and a separate detached garage.

RECEPTION ROOM: DINING ROOM: KITCHEN:

PRINICIPAL BEDROOM WITH EN SUITE: 4 FURTHER

BEDROOMS: FAMILY BATHROOM: 2 GUEST WC’S:

GARAGE: REAR AND FRONT GARDEN

HAMPSTEAD LANE, NW3 GUIDE PRICE £16,000,000

A magnificent recently built detached home, set behind electronically operated gates behind a deep driveway, opposite the grounds of Kenwood House and the rolling green acres of Hampstead Heath.

This substantial family home spanning 11,467 sq ft (1065.3 sq m) on a plot size of 0.46 of an acre, was built by the vendors 3 years ago to the highest of specifications and offers a host of luxuries throughout including an indoor lift to all floors, spa facilities and state of the art technology.

RECEPTION HALL: DRAWING ROOM: DINING ROOM: KITCHEN/BREAKFAST: FAMILY ROOM: PRINCIPAL BEDROOM WITH HIS AND HERS DRESSING ROOMS AND EN SUITES INCLUDING A BALCONY: FIVE FURTHER BEDROOM SUITES: LEISURE FACILITIES INCLUDING SWIMMING POOL, GYM, ENTERTAINMENT/GAMES ROOM, CINEMA, AND CHANGING ROOMS WITH SHOWER: WINE CELLAR: CLOAKROOM: UTILITY ROOM: THREE GUEST WCS: THREE PLANT ROOMS: BOOT ROOM: GARAGE: LANDSCAPED GARDEN: OFF STREET PARKING.

SCENTS OF LUXURY

Turn heads with a new signature scent, we’ve rounded up the very best new options from our favourite luxury fragrance houses

Ormonde Jayne Sakura Eau de Parfum, 50ml, £145 (ormondejayne.com)

La Perla Beauty About That Night Eau de Parfum, 120ml, £254 (harveynichols.com)

Maison Francis Kurkdjian 724, EDP, 200ml, £385 (johnlewis.com)

Officine Universelle Buly Eau Triple Berkane Orange Blossom, 75ml, £143 (selfridges.com)

Electimuss London Gladiator Oud, 100ml, £395 (electimuss.com)

Parfums de Marly Valaya EDP, 75ml, £230 (harrods.com)

Initio Oud for Greatness, EDP, 90ml, £305 (uk.initioparfums.com)

Ostens Rose Oil Insparta EDP, 50ml, and Préparation Oil, £185 (ostens.com)

ARgENTUM Lover, 70ml, £228 (argentum apothecary.com)

Thameen Insignia EDP, 50ml, £235 (thameenfragrance. com)

Memo Paris Madurai Eau De Parfum, 75ml, £230 (harveynichols.com)

Santa Marie Novella Eau de Parfum L’Iris, 100ml, £210 (uk. smnovella.com)

WHAT’S ON IN LONDON

What to see and do in the Capital this March

EXHIBITION Beyond The Streets London

Over 100 internationally renowned street artists are coming together for the first time in this ground-breaking exhibition. From underground graffiti artists to large scale muralists, the lineup includes Charlie Ahearn, GOLDIE, Guerrilla Girls, Jenny Holzer and Keith Haring. Until 9 May, Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 (saatchigallery.com)

THEATRE Women, Beware the Devil

Playwright Lulu Raczka’s Almeida debut is an enthralling drama set in 1640s England. With her family’s legacy under threat, Lady Elizabeth enlists Agnes, a servant suspected of witchcraft to work her magic, however Agnes, played by Conversations with Friends’ Alison Oliver, has her own agenda. Until 25th March. Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, N1 (020 7359 4404; almeida.co.uk)

ART TRAIL Hepworth: Rhythm and Form

Guests of the iconic 45 Park Lane can be transported back to Hampstead’s modernist era in this fascinating delve into sculptor Barbara Hepworth’s artistic journey, as part of the Dorchester Collection’s series, Follow in the Footsteps of Legendary Artists. Expect lively dialogue, a small private group, and entry to Tate Britain over this jam-packed, one-night stay.

Deluxe king room from £1,430 (020 7898 9870; dorchestercollection. com)

ART London Original Print Fair

Returning for its 38th edition is this everpopular collector’s fair, which mixes the great masters with established and emerging contemporary artists. Visitors can expect exclusive editions, new launches, as well as hands-on activities such as live screen printing. 30 March-2 April, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R (0333 320 2836; londonoriginalprintfair. com)

MUSICAL Operation Mincemeat

Following sold-out shows at the New Diorama, Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios, this buzzy new musical is seeing its West End transfer this month – and kicking out The Woman in Black after 33 years at The Fortune. Expect laugh-outloud frolics in this true story of the twisted secret mission that won us Word War II. Previews from 29 March. Fortune Theatre, Russell Street, WC2B (operationmincemeat.com)

by Bruce Mclean by Alixe Lay shot with the Leica SL2

Kenny Scharf. Closet #42 Bestest Ever. By Charles White of JW Pictures

LOCAL EXPERTISE, INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION

www.glentree.com 020 8731 9500 Email:

CAENWOOD COURT, HAMPSTEAD LANE, N6 GUIDE PRICE

£5,250,000

A rare opportunity to purchase this beautifully presented 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 1st floor apartment of 2,716 sq ft, located in this stunning, gated development which offers its residents direct access onto Hampstead Heath. The apartment offers flexible accommodation and a large terrace. There is a beautiful reception room & separate eat in kitchen/family room. Caenwood Court offers an abundance of amenities, including swimming pool & jacuzzi, steam & sauna, large, fully equipped gym, changing rooms & showers, two underground parking spaces, storage room, beautiful landscaped communal gardens & 24hr hotel style concierge

ALLINGHAM COURT, THE BISHOPS AVENUE

£7,800,000

A magnificent 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom ground floor apartment of approximately 4,100 sq ft with a tranquil wrap around garden with direct access onto the wonderful communal gardens.

SUMMIT LODGE, LOWER TERRACE, NW3 NEW GUIDE PRICE

£3,250,000

A desirable, three bedroom first floor apartment in this sought after and prestigious gated development in the heart of prime Hampstead. Apartments in Summit Lodge are rarely available for sale and represent secure and luxurious living, with additional private facilities which include a swimming pool/leisure complex, 24 hour hotel style concierge, storage room and underground parking for 2 cars.

Spotlight on St John’s Wood: Why super-prime buyers and tenants

St John’s Wood offers a superb lifestyle, combining a village atmosphere with immediate access to Central London. Here, Neir Gigi and Chanel RodriguezMoore, respectively Head of Sales and Lettings at Knight Frank’s office in St John’s Wood, share their passion for this elegant London neighbourhood and explain how their experience adds value for super-prime clients.

Q: What is the lifestyle appeal of St John’s Wood?

NG: First there’s its location, surrounded by some of the capital’s most prized green spaces – Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill - yet you’re minutes from Marylebone, Mayfair and Kensington and also close to the main rail and road routes out to the countryside and Heathrow. Secondly, the properties offer comfortable space inside and out along with handsome architecture. There’s the grandeur of 19th Century Nash houses on Regent’s Park or the elegance of late Georgian and Victorian properties. Add in a charming High Street, filled with independent boutiques, cafes and restaurants and an excellent choice of top-rated schools and St John’s Wood provides a golden lifestyle.

Q: What property choices do super-prime buyers have?

NG: St John’s Wood is an established magnet for both international and local super-prime buyers thanks to its high-quality, spacious properties with generous gardens. Sales volumes here have almost doubled since pre-pandemic days. Avenue Road for example is well known to our high net worth clients, an exclusive address lined with some of London’s most prestigious and sought-after homes. Hamilton Terrace, where we sold four properties over £14 million last year, is another favourite as are the Grade II listed Georgian homes in Acacia Road.

Q: What properties are in demand with super-prime tenants?

CRM: The American School of London, one of many international schools here, is a major draw for tenants and once here, they soon appreciate the appeal of the wonderful properties. Homes in St John’s Wood tend to be wider and more low level than many in Central London and classic stucco fronted homes and detached properties with top quality facilities, swimming pools, gyms and cinema rooms, are in high demand. That includes the beautiful, detached homes on Avenue Road renting for between £10,000 to £45,000 a week and those in Hamilton Terrace renting for £5,000 up to £25,000 a week. Cavendish Avenue and Cavendish Close are also desirable, as are the luxury apartments in St Edmund’s Terrace development which rent from £4,500 a week for three-bedrooms to over £10,000 for a penthouse.

Q: Are super-prime clients’ demands changing?

CRM: An increasing number of super-prime clients who initially focused on prime central London, are now choosing St John’s Wood. Last year, a client of the sales team who originally considered property in Belgravia, completed on a house for over £30 million in St John’s Wood instead, impressed by the proximity to the open green space of Regent’s Park. Super-prime tenants are also truly international. Of all the tenancies agreed at over £5,000 a week since the start of March 2022, 79%* were to international clients.

Q: What are the benefits of working with Knight Frank’s super-prime team?

NG: We are hugely experienced locally and have led the super-prime market here for many years. Knight Frank were involved in 62%** of super-prime sales in St John’s Wood over just the past six months. On a national level, we offer a discreet and confidential service for high networth buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. Our clients benefit from a single point of contact to tap directly into an unrivalled network of experts, throughout London, the UK and internationally, all anchored by our Private Office. For clients with global assets, whether they want to discuss property in St John’s Wood, St Tropez, the Alps or Asia, the knowledge and expertise our partnership provides is invaluable.

*Source: Knight Frank Data, 2022

**Source: LonRes Data, 2023

choose this well-connected London neighbourhood.

“We’re energetic, enthusiastic and passionate about adding value for our clients.”

Chanel Rodriguez-Moore

A HOUSE WITHhistory

If you’re thinking about a heritage house renovation, there are considerations to be taken into account, say the experts, but achieving your dream home is not impossible

Mews House Deep Retrofit. Photography by Andrew Merideth

It’s easy to see why people fall for old homes – there is undeniable charm in the high ceilings and light-loving windows of a Georgian property, the original fireplaces and ornate plasterwork of a Victorian townhouse or the original timber beams and thatch of a country cottage. However, such buildings have not been designed for the way we live today – rooms can be small, and floorplans disjointed, and as beautiful as leaded casement or wooden sash windows are, they are rarely up to the job when it comes to energy efficiency. Work will inevitably need to be done but renovating a heritage property, especially if it is located in a conservation area, or if it is listed, is not for the faint-hearted, with much planning, patience and inevitably budget required to complete the job.

“The government classes listed buildings as heritage assets and, as such, they are an asset to the wider community and even the country. This means that someone else, as well as the legal owner, has a vested interest in the building,” Daniel Ress, founder of Rees Architects tells us.

Additional planning controls apply to listed buildings, both inside and out. Listed building consent must be obtained for work that involves altering, extending or demolishing the building where it affects its special architectural or historic interest. This is in addition to any planning regulations that would normally apply.

Simon Griffiths, HollandGreen Architects

Homeowners are sometimes surprised to discover this. Architect and technical lead at HollandGreen Architects, Simon Griffiths tells us: “We often see people buy a heritage property and only then begin to appreciate the implications when it comes to renovating or extending. This isn’t to say significant changes can’t be carried out, but any proposed renovation needs to be creative and sensitive, thoughtfully designed and justified.”

It is important to be prepared for the process to take much longer than a normal planning application, Robert Prewett, director at Prewett Bizley Architects explains. “Getting listed building consent is a slow, painstaking process. Alterations need justifying carefully, especially ones associated with energy efficiency.”

Enlisting the help of experts who understand the various processes involved from the outset will help to make things as straightforward as possible. “We aim to develop ambitious but realistic proposals with clients and start by understanding the building from day one: its history, its fabric, and its importance today. That helps us create projects that have the justifications built into them from day one. In that way we can present the building and our proposals with authority and persuasion when we get to planning. That really helps secure positive results for our clients,” Robert tells us.

It is helpful to manage expectations and be prepared to adapt any plans that are made, both during the planning and approvals stage, and while the build is ongoing. Simon tells us: “There will be a lot of negotiation involved throughout the design and build process, and it does take time. It’s important homeowners find teams they trust and get on with well, who are by their side across the whole project.”

It is also worth considering how you can make the building more energy efficient. As an expert in low-carbon construction, particularly in the field of retrofit, and a certified Passivhaus designer (Passivhaus is a performance-based set of design criteria for very low energy buildings, which can help create buildings which use around 90 per cent less energy than standard UK buildings) it is a subject that is particularly close to Robert’s heart. He tells us: “Repairs to historic building fabric can have a significant impact as can understanding how additions such as shutters can help. Stronger interventions like window upgrades are becoming much easier as modern glass allows authentic reproduction of window patterns but with huge performance benefits. Wall, floor and loft insulation can normally be introduced, too, and when used together have shown 80-90 per cent energy reductions.”

Rees Architects renovated this Grade II listed townhouse, introducing a glass extension to bring natural light into the property

Along the journey we create something stunning and true to the property’s heart

Grade II Listed Townhouse. Photography by Chris Snook

Grade II Listed Townhouse

Though they may involve hard work, these projects should be the source of great joy. “We feel it is a privilege to renovate and transform a listed ‘forever home’ for our clients, which will be enjoyed for generations to come. Part of the joy comes with recognising that whilst not every part of an initial design vision may be realistic, along the journey we create something stunning and true to the property’s heart,” says Simon. So, what can be done with a little imagination and a lot of expertise? Take a look at these inspiring projects from our experts.

LASHLAKE HOUSE, HollandGreen Architects

HollandGreen were challenged to restore and breathe new life into a beautiful but neglected Grade II* listed home. The clients wanted an architect who could deliver a top-to-toe refurbishment and manage all the contractors and specialists, and HollandGreen worked closely with local conservation teams and Historic England. They created a design that completely transformed the property inside and out while remaining faithful to the character of the original building.

The sympathetic renovation saw the introduction of two new bathrooms, a larger kitchen extension and new roof. The team also restored neglected but beautiful heritage features, such as the 300-year-old windows and historic joinery and plasterwork. hollandgreen.co.uk

GRADE II LISTED TOWNHOUSE, Rees Architects

In 2022, Rees Architects was tasked with transforming a threestorey Grade II listed townhouse in Islington from a property that suited house sharers to one that would appeal to a family.

The brief was to freshen up the exterior and reconfigure areas of the interior, as well as gain consent on slight alterations to facilitate a basement extension into the garden, successfully

creating a design which not only complements but also enhances the existing architecture and improves the flow and layout.

A garden extension was key to unlocking a basement redesign. The listed status of the building led to the decision of a glass extension which also helps bring natural light into the space and which opens directly onto the garden. rees.archi

MEWS HOUSE DEEP RETROFIT, Prewett Bizley Architects

This retrofit of a mews house set within a conservation area in west London won the RIBA London Award 2022 and was one of seven shortlisted projects for C4 House of the Year.

The project saw the extensive refurbishment of an end of terrace mews; the client wanted a low-energy, highly sustainable solution for their new home. The resulting house combines exquisite interiors with the carbon emissions and comfort of a newly built home.

The new interior centres around a new oak stair that brings daylight into a previously dark corner of the house and connects the three levels.

The project utilises plaster made with lime, cork and loam to control moisture within the walls; sash windows with evacuated glass, which reproduces a multi-pane effect convincingly while approaching the performance of triple glazing; and an air source heat pump. The client has now been living in the house for over a year and the heating demand has been slashed by a staggering 95 per cent and the overall energy consumption by 82 per cent. prewettbizley.com

HollandGreen worked closely with Historic England on the restoration of this Grade II* listed home

Prewett Bizley won the RIBA London Award 2022 for the deep retrofit of this mews property

Lashlake House

Lashlake House

Lashlake House

Mews House Deep Retrofit. Photography by Tom Graham

Mews House Deep Retrofit. Photography by Andrew Merideth

A PUNCHY

PERFORMANCE

Ahead of his starring role in A Town Called Malice, actor Jack Rowan explains the show’s irresistible appeal, and shares how amateur boxing prepared him for a career on screen

You could say Jack Rowan manifested his latest role – the lead in 80s-set gangland thriller A Town Called Malice – into existence. “There’s a funny story,” he explains when we sit down to talk about the project. “My sleep pattern was all over the place during Covid, I am a night owl anyway, but I was all over the place. And I remember it was midnight and I thought, I’m not going to get to sleep, it’s just one of those nights. So, I turned on the PlayStation and I started playing Crash Bandicoot… I played it for about five hours, and I realised that the sun was coming up. So, I turned the game off and suddenly, I went from all this colour and adrenaline to nothing, just silence. And I got really emotional, and I started crying and I didn’t know why. My girlfriend woke up and asked if I was OK, and it sounds ridiculous, but I remember saying, ‘I am just sad that I don’t get to live in the 80s’. And I was truly sad about that at that moment.”

Soon afterwards, he found himself auditioning for the brand-new Sky Max series. “I remember when I got the audition through, they used a great line to describe the show: they said it’s like a neon-soaked love letter to the 80s.” The show’s appeal was irresistible; it was like being presented with a dream role that he hadn’t been aware he even wanted.

Penned and exec-produced by Nick Love, the story follows Rowan’s character Gene Lord, the reluctant gangster and youngest member of South London’s Lord family as they relocate to the Costa Del Sol to reset their criminal activity in fertile new pastures. “It’s just wild – that’s what I’d say,” he laughs, when I ask what we can expect from the series. “It’s an ensemble piece, but at the core of the story there are two characters – myself and Tahirah Sharif who plays my girlfriend, Cindy. In a nutshell, it is set in the 80s in the Costa Del Sol, or, as they used to call it, the Costa Del Crime. It’s all about crime, drugs… all that kind of stuff.”

Jack wears: shirt, tie, blazer, trousers and coat, all by Anglo Italian

Words by Liz Skone James

Photography by Lee Malone

Styling by Tanja Martin

Grooming by Laura Dexter

Shot on location at ME London

Describing the series, Gabriel Silver, director of commissioning, at Sky Studios, says: “If Dallas and Pulp Fiction created a love child to the strains of Duran Duran, it would be A Town Called Malice, an intoxicating cocktail of 1980s romance, avarice and violence, served up with pineapple chunks and an umbrella. Brought to life so brilliantly by Nick Love’s scripts, audiences will be taken back to the vivid world of the Costa Del Sol in its pomp, with a glorious take on the soundtrack of the era.” Indeed, the eight-parter takes its title from the early 1980s hit song by The Jam, and music is at the beating heart of the series.

“It is very musically driven. Very driven by the fashion of the time,” Jack agrees. “The number of 80s tunes that are in the show is just incredible. The series is eight one-hour episodes, and as I was filming, I made a playlist of all the songs that were played and mentioned – and it amounted to about four and a half hours. Any 80s band you can think of is probably in that playlist!”

The cast and crew spent six months in Tenerife, recreating 1980s Spain. “There are worse places to be!” Jack grins. “I managed to miss the worst of the English winter. And escape those short days when it gets dark so early. There were some great locations – some of Tenerife is just so untouched. When you go there you are like, man, this really feels like the 80s! Certainly, some of the interiors. There is also so much land, and open space, it almost looks like you are filming on Mars. It’s like, where are we? It is unplaceable. Six months in Tenerife, for me it is up there with the best times I have ever had.”

Made all the better by being in the company of an amazing team, he assures me. They have just been reunited for a cast screening ahead of transmission. “I’m beyond pleased with it,” he tells me. “There’s a version of this that is on the page, but what has ended up on screen is just more than I could have imagined. The post team and the director have done a fantastic job. Everything about it… I think that we have just created a world that people are going to enjoy. The 80s are such fun. In our story the tone can shift so quickly, it goes from being ‘ah, I love this music, I love these characters, they are so cool’, and then before you know it you see something really dark and start to question whether you do like them. The tone shifts beautifully, so you are constantly questioning what is happening. I think it will be the perfect escape. I am really, really excited for it.”

Included in Screen International magazine’s ‘Screen Stars of Tomorrow’ line-up in the summer of 2020, Jack’s screen career took off when the naturally gifted Londoner was catapulted into the limelight for his portrayal of Sam, the teenage psychopath leading the cast in C4’s Born to Kill. The performance received unanimously glowing reviews and saw him put forward for multiple leading actor awards, including a BAFTA Best Actor nomination. He eventually took home the BAFTA Cymru Best Actor award.

“It is impossible for any job to ever mean more to me than that one,” he tells me. “At the time I had only done episodic stuff, and short films, so that was the first time that anybody had ever taken a risk on me. And sometimes that’s all it takes.

Jack wears, opposite page: grey shirt by Connolly and grey pinstripe trousers by Ermenegildo Zegna

This page: black suit, white t-shirt and shoes, all by Dunhill

“There’s a version of this that is on the page, but what has ended up on screen is just more than I could have imagined”

For me it was the director Bruce (Goodison) and the team, and I’m just glad that it paid off for me and for them. It gave me something to my name. It gave me a confidence in work that has been a catalyst for confidence in the rest of my life. It meant I could walk into a room and feel like I had already proven myself in some ways. When I walk into a room now, Born to Kill is something that I have got. And it can never be taken away.”

For Jack, the award encompasses everything he feels about this life-changing job. “I got the BAFTA nomination for it in the March, and the ceremony was in the May, and obviously I didn’t win that, but the nomination was enough to feel like, man, what a way to encapsulate such an amazing time. To underline it,” he explains. “Months passed, and then all of a sudden, I got nominated for the Welsh BAFTA. I was like, what? I didn’t know how it all worked – but because Born to Kill was filmed in Wales, it made it eligible. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the series was back in my life. Winning that, the whole experience is encapsulated in this one physical thing. Every time I look at it, or glance at it subconsciously, it is there, it is captured, it’s never going anywhere – all of the feelings, all of the stress, all the love, all the work… Everything is in that thing. So, it is fun to just pick it up and think that it is a journey that is complete.”

The iconic bronze cast theatrical mask is surprisingly heavy, he reveals. “Whenever somebody sees it for the first time, they want to pick it up and they are always surprised. That thing could be a weapon! If it fell on your foot, even from a small height, it would really injure you. It is really heavy,” he laughs.

It was an injury, though not a BAFTA inflicted one, that saw him pursue a career in acting originally. “Acting wasn’t something that I really wanted to do from a young age. It was more like, in school, when you have your favourite subjects and drama was one that I always enjoyed. But I was doing boxing at the time – I was an amateur boxer, and I felt like that might be a route I would go down,” he explains. “I went to a little drama class in Camden on Saturdays. But with boxing, I boxed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Through those very formative years, my school years, it gave me an escape, certainly when things got tough, it gave me another focus. And then I got an injury in my back – which occurred punching a punchbag, it was nothing spectacular… I was like, it’s OK, it’ll all be fine, but it went from a niggling injury into something much more serious that stopped me from boxing. All of a sudden, I went from training all the time, to nothing. I had no passion anymore.”

As the months passed, he understood that he needed to find a new focus. “I realised that I really enjoyed the acting, and I started to put more effort into it. And suddenly, I lived for Saturdays, just as I used to live for boxing,” he tells me. “I would much rather do my Saturday homework than my school homework. And then, when I got my first job, it just changed completely. I realised how much I wanted to be an actor. After my first job, I only ever had one more fight, and I lost, and I was like, you know what, I’m going to leave this for now. And it’s good, because boxing was always there waiting if I needed it, but I have never needed it.”

The two worlds did collide briefly though, when Jack was offered the role of boxer Bonnie Gold in Peaky Blinders

Appearing in five episodes over series four and five of the hit BBC show, he was given the opportunity to show off his skills in the ring. He has not boxed since, though. “I can officially say I have gone soft. The thought of boxing is terrifying,” he laughs.

He is grateful for the things that boxing taught him, though, particularly about discipline and preparation. “As an amateur boxer I’d have a dry patch with no fights, and all of a sudden, I’d have three over two months,” he recalls. “So, what that instilled is that you have always got to be ready for anything – you have got to do your running, you have got to be eating well, staying on your weight, because all of a sudden, your coach can say you are boxing on Saturday. So, if you haven’t been training hard, and you’re not on weight, you have no time to sort that out. It teaches you to put in the work all the time. If you see the ring as almost like an audition room – I have to put the graft in for the audition room in the same way as I would’ve done for the ring. I have read this script, I have learnt these lines, I have thought about what I am doing, so, when I am in front of everybody, I am not going to get found out, because the work has been done.”

The audition process will always be a tough one. “The dream is to be in a position where I have enough behind me to get offered roles without having to go through that,” Jack explains. “Every role I have ever played, I have had to go and get it, if

that makes sense. When you have to go and get something, somebody else could easily take it from you. It is up to you to try and prove that you are right for it in a different way than somebody else might be right for it. So, I would love to be in a position where I am known enough, that directors trust me enough to say, ‘yeah, I am thinking of this person for this role’. So, you can read the script in a very calm way and feel happy that it is something you want to do.”

So that’s the dream scenario, but what about the dream job?

“I couldn’t say,” he shrugs, “but hopefully it is there waiting somewhere. I never knew I wanted to play a teenage psychopath until I did it,” he laughs. He would like to try his hand at some theatre. “I love theatre. I went to the theatre last night to see Martha, who plays my mum in A Town Called Malice. Martha Plimpton, she was in a play called As You Like It in Soho Place,” he reveals. “My route into acting was through am dram theatre, but the work has come through TV and film. There’s always a passion waiting in theatre, and I hope that I can find my way into it soon. For me it is about the small spaces – obviously if something came, I would want to do it, but I’m not into the big, massive theatres, I am about the petite stuff with a really immersive feel to it. Hopefully that can come sooner or later.”

It is something we’d love to see.

Jack wears: cream suit by Ami Paris and black shirt by Berluti

A Town Called Malice will be on Sky Max from 9 March

Grooming by Laura Dexter, using 111SKIN and Bumble and bumble products

ME LONDON

While lucky Londoners can take their pick from a thriving arts and theatre scene, eat at a different acclaimed restaurant every day of the week should the whim take them, and flex their credit cards with endless opportunities for designer shopping, living where we do, it can feel like there’s no reason to book a hotel stay. But the Capital is blessed with some of the best in the world, and there’s really no reason to miss out on experiencing everything they have to offer – after all, there’s nothing like a staycation to open your eyes to the wonder of where you live.

And where better for a luxury break than at the ME London. Art, music and spectacular architecture combine at this contemporary luxury hotel. Set on the Strand, in the West End’s beating

heart, the flagship property for the ME by Meliá brand is one of London’s leading hotels, offering 157 chic guest rooms, 15 luxurious suites and a signature duplex penthouse.

Take our advice and book the spectacular penthouse: the achingly cool Suite ME was designed in collaboration with Rockett St George and offers breath-taking views of the London Eye, Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and the Thames, both from the panoramic glass-walled living room at the very top of the hotel, as well as from a private terrace. Better yet, it provides direct access to Radio Rooftop, the hotel’s acclaimed rooftop bar, lounge and terrace.

Whether you fancy weekend brunch or evening drinks, from sunrise to sunset, Radio Rooftop is the place to be seen. A delicious seasonal and locally sourced menu is available, alongside an exciting cocktail list. And the food and drink options don’t end there – you’ll also find world-famous steak restaurant STK and Gino D’Acampo’s Luciano here, while the lobby is home to the Marconi Lounge, a beautiful bar which plays host to an ever-changing display of art. It’s just another feature that ensures this extraordinary hotel stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons.

Rates from £364 per night. Strand, WC2R (020 3499 8651; melondonhotel.com)

The striking front desk and sophisticated lobby bar set the tone at ME London

ME London’s hip penthouse, Suite ME, was designed in collaboration with Rockett St George

Live Safe & Well

Hampstead Court Care Home in St John’s Wood offers a safe and supportive environment where residents can flourish, make new friends, maintain contact with their local community and live a life of possibility.

•Residential, dementia and respite care

•Nutritionally balanced seasonal menus

•Spacious, beautifully decorated bedrooms

•Highly trained staff teams

•Stimulating schedule of daily activities and entertainment

020 8031 9484 | averyhealthcare.co.uk

Signature scents

Choose right, and your scent will serve as a personal memory to friends and loved ones, but how to find your perfect perfume? Linda Pilkington, founder of luxury

British fragrance house Ormonde Jayne shares her tips

WHAT IS A SCENT PROFILE? This is a way to envisage a portrait of the client by asking a number of questions in order to get a better understanding of their character; it helps enormously in choosing which fragrance family to explore. We find out what makes the client happy – do they like the mountains, or do they prefer the sea? Do they enjoy spicy food, what are their favourite colour palettes, and fabrics? It might seem unconnected to choosing a scent, but it does help us to find different ingredients that would fit their profiles.

SHOULD MY SCENT PROFILE CHANGE WITH THE SEASONS? I personally choose my perfume according to my mood when I wake up, but also according to what is in the calendar: is it a lunch outside with friends, or an all-day meeting? However, it’s a very human reaction to reach for warm, resinous amberesque fragrances when leaves begin to fall. And also, when it’s scorching hot, one looks for an effervescent fragrance to cut through the heat. Choosing a perfume all comes down to how we feel at that moment.

When it comes to the advent of spring, when we see evidence of buds and new life on magnolia trees, I reach for the hesperidic notes, like Osmanthus, Mandarin and Bergamot. Our new launch Sakura is a perfect example of a perfume that brings with it a sense of reflection and optimism.

WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT NOTES MEAN AND WHICH ARE MOST IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING A FRAGRANCE?

Perfume notes have traditionally been divided into top notes, heart notes and base notes. For some reason, I was writing out those categories in the early days of Ormonde Jayne, but instead of base, I wrote soul as it was instinctive to write heart and soul, so we have kept that category as it feels more meaningful.

Top notes are the gateway into the scent journey, these are the first notes you smell and, by definition, the first to evaporate. But top notes

play a part in scenting the heart and soul (base) notes and the drydown. Ideally you should focus on the heart notes to see the foundations and how the perfume has been constructed around this particular oil. Ultimately, it’s the drydown that will win you over, as a perfume should drydown to a very fine fragrance and should smell even better the next day on your clothes.

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR CHOOSING A FRAGRANCE FOR MYSELF? The luxury of time is the most important criteria. Many fragrance houses now have a Discovery Lab or sample pack and I would suggest taking this before you buy a bottle. Take one scent at a time and use it exclusively for a few days, replenishing several times throughout the day. Ask yourself if you like it even more the following day, observe how it makes you feel and how your skin smells with it. It’s also interesting to note the reaction of your loved ones, friends and colleagues in the office, so I would recommend sampling each scent you are

interested in for two or three days, as buying a perfume is an investment and important aspect of joy in your everyday life.

If time is of the essence, then I would recommend spraying both wrists in the perfume and then walking around for half an hour and smelling again. You need at least 30 minutes to see how the perfume develops on your skin. I remember a long time ago buying a perfume only to find I absolutely hated it 20 minutes later.

AND WHAT ABOUT CHOOSING FOR SOMEBODY ELSE? Ideally, the best way to approach it is to purchase a Discovery Lab together with an E Gift Card; they can work through the scents in their own time and use the E Gift Card once they have decided. This way, you can’t go wrong. For our London-based clients, I would suggest inviting them into our boutique in Mayfair for our Scent Strength Style experience. Our boutique manager will show them the different ranges and help them to choose a fragrance that they adore. Then they can also choose from one of the eight coloured bottles which are also refillable.

HOW CAN I TELL IF A FRAGRANCE SUITS ME?

A typical Ormonde Jayne perfume usually gets plenty of compliments and this goes for nearly every scent we create. When people compliment you, you know you are onto a winner. Sakura launched last month and is priced at £145 for 50ml. Discovery Labs cost from £42.

12 The Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond Street, W1S (020 7499 1100; ormondejayne.com)

Customers choosing the Scent Strength Style experience at Ormonde Jayne’s Mayfair boutique can choose to have their favourite scent in one of eight gorgeous coloured glass bottles

PERSONAL STYLIST

The latest in luxury fashion, beauty and healthy living

NEW STORE CREATING HEIRLOOMS

With a nod to the past, an eye on the future, and an attitude firmly grounded in the present, London-based Aimee Joyce designs couture-inspired fashion pieces that have a timeless quality. Describing her collection as a “love letter to women”, she hopes that these pieces will become heirlooms, handed down to future generations. And she’s recently launched an exciting atelier in Notting Hill, sharing the space with carefully selected designers who share her focus on quality, craftsmanship and detail. Expect the likes of Prometeo London, purveyors of fine vintage and antique heirloom-worthy jewellery; and Nicas Concept, who create handbags from repurposed interior design fabrics and textiles. The playful retail space on Westbourne Grove will also host a unique range of purpose-led events featuring local, up-andcoming artists, poets, performers, and collaborators, inviting

women to engage more deeply in community, craftsmanship, transformation, and that which escapes convention. Not to be missed.

SKINCARE Advanced anti-ageing

Ten years in the making and formulated using Nobel-prizewinning hero ingredient, a barleybased Epidermal Growth Factor, BioEffect’s ground-breaking EGF Serum is a beauty classic that promises to restore the skin’s youthful radiance, rejuvenate its complexion, and minimise signs of ageing – and it delivers on every promise. We’ve great news for fans, because last month saw the launch of a new, highly potent EGF Power Serum that has been specifically designed for mature skin types to intensely target the signs of ageing. Alongside the original anti-ageing super-hero ingredient, the Power Serum also includes N-Acetyl Glucosamine (NAG). This is a highly stable form of an amino acid sugar compound originally found in skin and is known to help support natural Hyaluronic Acid production. It brightens the complexion and minimises the appearance of hyperpigmentation. NAG also has antioxidant benefits and helps maintain skin barrier integrity and elasticity, as well as addressing skin dryness by sealing in moisture. Not just a winter skin saviour, you’ll want this as part of your permanent skincare arsenal. £165, available from Harrods, and online at bioeffect.co.uk

AESTHETICS Face the future

Historically, if you wanted to lift and sculpt your facial features, you’d need to book a course of Botox or fillers or take more drastic surgical action. But now, needle-free, natural outcomes are possible thanks to revolutionary new technology in the facial aesthetics market.

Brand new to the UK, from the makers of EMSCULPT, EMFACE is the first and only handsfree, non-invasive device that can address and reverse the two main causes of ageing—loss of muscle tone and decreased collagen production. It works through the use of HIFES (high-intensity facial electrical stimulation), which contracts muscles in the forehead and cheeks to lift facial tissue. This is combined with radiofrequency technology which uses heat energy to prompt a wound healing response in the skin, increasing collagen and elastin production (both of which decrease as we age, leaving skin slack and sagging). Patience is required – four 20-minute sessions are recommended, with optimal results seen 12 weeks after the final treatment, but it’s worth the wait. To find your nearest clinic, see btlaesthetics.com/en/ clinics-near-me

Revolutionary

EMFACE is the future of facial aesthetics

302 Westbourne Grove, W11 (aimeejoycelondon.com)

Aimee Joyce London’s new store is now open

Theo Randall’s Caponata

Inspired by his travels across Italy, Theo Randall at the InterContinental has introduced a monthly changing tasting menu around his memories of the different regions. March’s menu focuses on Sicily, where dishes like this delicious vegetable stew are star of the show

INGREDIENTS

3 medium-size aubergines 2 red peppers

2 yellow peppers 4 medium-size courgettes

1 red onion, finely sliced 2 sticks celery, cut in to 1/2 cm pieces 600ml tomato passata 2 tbsp of miniature capers in vinegar 75g pine nuts

5 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (evoo) 8 leaves fresh basil, roughly torn

METHOD

1. Cut the aubergines into 2cm thick disks and cut in half again, so you have 1/2 moons of aubergines. Place into a large bowl with a sprinkle of salt and 3 tbsp olive oil. Mix thoroughly.

2. Place the oiled aubergine slices carefully on to a baking sheet, lined with greaseproof paper. Ensure that the slices fill the tray but do not overlap.

3. Place in a pre-heated oven at 180c for 15 minutes, take out of the oven and turn over the aubergine slices and put back in the oven for a further 10 minutes. To check they are cooked, cut with a sharp knife on the outside edge of the aubergine and if the

knife goes through easily, then the aubergine is cooked.

4. In a large saucepan, add 2 tbsp evoo, sliced onion and celery, and cook for 10 minutes on a low heat.

5. While the onions are cooking, prepare the peppers by cutting them in half lengthways and removing the stem and all the seeds. Then slice into roughly 2cm sized pieces.

6. Add to the pan with a pinch of salt. Place the lid on tightly so the peppers start to steam.

7. After 10 minutes cooking, add the courgettes and cook without the lid for a further 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Add the tomato passata and cook on a low heat for a further 10 minutes so the tomato passata has reduced by half.

9. Add the capers, pine nuts, torn basil and finally the roasted aubergines. Mix together well and leave on the stove to cook very gently for a further 5 minutes to combine. Remember to taste to check the seasoning.

10. Serve as a starter with some good bread and extra olive oil or as a main with grilled lamb. The four-course tasting menu and paired wines is priced at £70 per person and is available for lunch Tuesday to Friday and for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Theo Randall at The InterContinental, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J (020 7409 3131; theorandall.com)

This rich, juicy vegetable dish works well as a starter with crusty bread, or is fabulous served with grilled lamb as a hearty main meal

Lusin Mayfair

With outposts in Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar this is the first UK location for the luxury Armenian eatery

Words by Liz Skone James

In any other part of town, Lusin might stand out, with its vast, arched, plate glass windows and oversized bank vault-like golden door, but it fits right in amongst its glitzy neighbours on Hay Hill. Rather mortifyingly, we have no idea how to open the door – the attentive front of house team spring into action assisting us though, sparing our blushes by insisting that we are not the first.

The restaurant, which opened in Mayfair last October, has a menu overseen by two Michelinstarred Marcel Ravin, so it’s fair to say that we are excited to try the food – though neither my companion nor I are entirely sure what to expect of Armenian cuisine. And the mysterious sounding menu doesn’t make things especially clearer. We decide to request a selection of house specialities to give us a picture of what Lusin is all about; our waiter is only too happy to assist.

We start with a glass of wine; the Voskepar, from the Voskevaz winery is an oak-aged white. Almost golden in colour, it is complex and fruity and the perfect complement to our appetisers. The traditional mutabal arrives smoking dramatically under a glass cloche, which is removed with a theatrical flourish to release the most incredible smell. As the smoke subsides we discover divinely smoked aubergine mixed with creamy sesame paste and yoghurt; we pile it high on pillowy warm pita bread and tuck in hungrily. This is accompanied with sujuc rolls – sujuc, we are told, is a dry, spicy beef sausage. Here, it is served in little pinwheels of crispy bread, drizzled with a moreish molasses sauce and pomegranate

seeds. We fight over the last piece. There is also a deliciously fresh tasting salad of beetroot and feta.

The mains have much to live up to, but we are not disappointed. The sheesh tawook comes on a tabletop brazier of hot coals, and the chicken is tender and perfectly cooked. Meanwhile, the cherry kebab, a speciality, consists of delicately spiced, charcoaled veal skewers in a sweet, piquant cherry sauce with pine nuts.

Desserts look as beautiful as they taste. The rose flavoured ice cream comes in a cloud of candy floss strewn with edible rose petals, appealing instantly to our inner child. It is wickedly tasty. The honey cake meanwhile is presented on a gorgeous honeycomb patterned plate and consists of multiple layers of honey biscuit sandwiched between layers of caramel-like cream filling. It may have been our first experience of Armenian food, but it won’t be our last 16 Hay Hill, W1J (020 8433 9370; lusinrestaurant.com)

The stunning space features huge windows, high ceilings, comfortable leather seating and walls made from Armenian tuff stone

THE BEST OF: COURCHEVEL

SIX SENSES RESIDENCES & SPA COURCHEVEL

Taking traditional mountain living to new heights of luxury, the Six Senses Residences, which are perfectly placed a five-minute walk from the ski lodge at La Croisette, have been meticulously designed with interiors inspired by their Alpine surroundings. Accommodation comes in the form of 53 apartments and penthouses, offering between two and five bedrooms, and there is a concierge team on hand 24/7 to cater to guests’ every whim. Food comes courtesy of world-renowned Japanese restaurant Sumosan, where guests can also enjoy après-ski aperitifs at the buzzy bar – the place to be seen. And it goes without saying that there is a gorgeous Six Senses Spa here, too, ideal after an exhilarating day on the slopes. sixsenses.com/en/resorts/residences-courchevel

HOTEL BARRIÈRE LES NEIGES

This super-luxe, chalet-style hotel was classified as a Palace in 2019, a French hospitality rating that exceeds five-stars. Enviably located in a ski-in, ski-out position on the Bellecôte piste and within the main village of Courchevel 1850, it is ideally located to enjoy both the skiing and the resort’s designer shopping. Hotel facilities include an impressive ski room, the legendary Diane Barrière spa and three fabulous eateries. Set on the top floors of the hotel, the splendid Les Neiges Penthouse boasts 310 sq m of accommodation across three bedrooms and enjoys panoramic views over the snow-covered mountaintops –guests staying here have access to their own personal butler. hotelsbarriere.com/en/courchevel/les-neiges.html

L’APOGÉE COURCHEVEL

Located at the top of Le Jardin Alpin, the most elite of Courchevel’s six villages, this superb hotel offers unrivalled views and all-important ski-in ski-out access. An Oetker Collection Masterpiece Hotel, it comes with luxury facilities and five-star service guaranteed. Families are welcomed here – with nursery slopes on the doorstep there’s snowy fun for everyone, and the exceptional kids’ club, Mini VIP 1850, will keep non-skiing little ones happily occupied for hours. You’ll find post-ski pampering on offer in the sublime subterranean Spa L’Apogée by La Prairie, and dining comes in the form of exquisite sushi at Japanese restaurant Koori and French gourmet specialities at Le Comptoir L’Apogée. Meanwhile, evening entertainment can be found at Le Bar de L’Apogée, where cocktails and live music are the order of the day. oetkercollection.com/hotels/lapogee-courchevel

The ski season here doesn’t end until April, so there’s still time to get yourself to the snow-covered slopes. Here’s where to stay in style

A PASSION FOR Puglia

Take a tip from the Italians, and make a pilgrimage to Italy’s most Eastern region, known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and hundreds of miles of unspoilt Mediterranean coastline

Words by Liz Skone James

Lying on a bubbling bed submerged in the infinity pool, I watch two green butterflies skirt one another coquettishly Their dance of courtship is accompanied by the song of thousands of cicadas that has been the soundtrack to our stay at Baglioni Masseria Muzza. The scent of pines hangs heavy in the air. It is a moment of pure bliss in a holiday that has been nothing short of magical.

In the stiletto point of the Italian boot, Puglia boasts 500 miles of stunning coastline, surrounded by the Ionian Sea on one side and the Adriatic on the other. Sitting at one of the great intersections of the Mediterranean, throughout history it has been colonised, invaded and conquered by just about every major power of the day – Greeks, Arabs, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Venetians, North Africans, Turks, Dalmatians… Surprisingly, the international tourist tide has been slow to wash up on its pristine sandy shores, though Italians themselves have summered here for years, drawn to Puglia for its delicious food and wine, its beautiful beaches, its friendly people and its stylish simplicity.

Times are changing, with a number of exciting new hotels opening over the last few years, but this is still a great choice if you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience away from the crowds of Tuscany, the Amalfi coast and the Italian lakes. One such opening is the Baglioni Masseria Muzza, the latest addition to the luxury Baglioni Hotels & Resorts collection, which opened at the beginning of the summer season in 2022. Set in a 17th century fortified farmhouse, or masseria, in five acres of ancient olive groves overlooking the Alimini Piccolo lake, it offers a truly authentic taste of Italy. Minutes from Salento’s white sandy beaches and a stone’s throw from the UNESCO heritage town of Otranto, it is the perfect base from which to explore everything southern Puglia has to offer.

Accommodation is offered in 40 luxurious rooms and suites, situated in the original low-built farm buildings around the main masseria, all boasting a secluded private terrace, balcony, or veranda. Ancient meets modern here, with the traditional architectural features, including thick stone walls and vast vaulted ceilings incorporated into the luxurious design. Local ceramics by Ceramiche Benegiamo are displayed in original nooks in the walls, and framed pages from old books written in the local Salento dialect adorn the walls, giving each space a real sense of place. Decorated with white-washed walls and soft

Sunset is best viewed from the loungers by the infinity pool, looking out over Piccolo Alimini

furnishings in an elegant, neutral colour palette, the airy suites – which feature huge, indulgent day-beds – are the perfect respite when the afternoon heat gets too much poolside.

Over breakfast on the first morning – a groaning buffet of fresh fruit, meat, cheese, pastries and all manner of delicious treats served at Mirto, one of three restaurants on-site – I am introduced to the locals’ favourite coffee on the rocks, caffe Leccese. Freshly brewed espresso, poured over ice and sweetened with latte di mandorla, a sweet almond milk syrup, it is deliciously refreshing – a little taste of heaven. I vow to track down my own bottle of latte di mandorla to take home.

The sugary caffeine injection is suitable fuel for a morning of activity – we have booked a sea kayaking expedition from nearby La Castellana beach. Our guide Alessandro treats us to an alternative view of the coastline, revealing beautiful hidden coves where we snorkel in the crystal clear, azure water, marvelling at the myriad life below, and secret sea caves where we pull our canoes up and clamber over the rocks to explore. Colourful oleander bushes with pink, purple and white flowers grow by the shoreline, and low, white buildings dot the rugged landscape, which looks more Greek than Italian.

We return for a well-earned lunch at La Castellana’s beachside restaurant, tucking hungrily into fresh fritto misto and wickedly tasty rustico, local pastries filled with mozzarella, bechamel and tomato, all washed down with ice cold Aperol spritzers. Afterwards, we stroll into nearby Otranto. The pretty port town perches high above the sparkling sea behind its historic walls; we wander around the narrow lanes of the old town and wind our way up to the colossal 15th-century Aragonese castle, shopping for souvenirs on the way and

discovering ice cream heaven at Gelateria Cavour.

Back at Masseria Muzza, we watch the sun setting over Alimini Piccolo while enjoying aperitivo at the Limonaia Bar, before heading down to enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars at Le Site, which offers hotel guests an Apulian fine dining experience. Here, the standout dish is fresh oysters from Castro, served with malt beer ice cream. Service is attentive and both food and wines are delicious; it is a memorable evening.

The next morning, muscles aching from our kayak exertions, I head to the calm of the subterranean spa for a restorative massage. The therapist tailors the 75-minute treatment to my requirements, leaving me feeling utterly blissed out. So much so, that I’m reluctant to leave this little oasis of peace, deciding instead to spend time enjoying the other facilities here – a steam bath, covered pool, Finnish sauna, ice fountain, and sensory showers – before I emerge blinking into the bright, sunlit day.

Wanting to explore further, we take another excursion to nearby Lecce, known locally as the Florence of the South and famous for its papier-mâché statues and ornate buildings, carved from the soft, golden local limestone. We take a gourmet walking tour around the labyrinthine streets, exploring the exuberant Baroque architecture and stopping at various establishments to enjoy the many local delicacies.

At our first stop, Vico dei Bolognesi, a quirky café in the old Jewish neighbourhood, there is more caffe Leccese, this time enjoyed with moreish, sweet, cream-filled pastichotto. And later, as the sun sets, there is heavenly Burrata, served with capocollo di Martina Franca, a delicately smoked cured ham, washed down with Primitivo, an intense, full-bodied Puglian red wine at Libreria Liberrima, a bohemian bookstore with enoteca and restaurant set in a beautiful square. It is easy to see why food has become one of Puglia’s biggest pulls.

All too soon it is time to pack our cases, close the door on our beautiful white-washed suite for one last time, bid a sad farewell to the friendly team at Masseria Muzza and head for Brindisi airport. We’ve barely scratched the surface of all that’s on offer in Puglia – good reason to plan a return visit.

DETAILS

Rates at Masseria Muzza from €535 plus VAT, including breakfast (baglionihotels.com/branches/baglioni-masseria-muzza)

The hotel accommodation is located in old farm buildings dotted around the main masseria

REACH FOR THE STARS

Nadia Ward, newly appointed Headteacher at Heathside School Hampstead, explains what makes Heathside special

Every young person deserves the opportunity to receive a wonderful education. At Heathside School, children are encouraged and supported to be the best possible version of themselves that they can be, through high-quality teaching, outstanding pastoral care, an enriching curriculum, clubs and activities, backed up with a long-standing track record of academic success.

“When I first visited Heathside, I was immediately struck by the calm atmosphere and happy, confident children I met throughout the school,” explains Nadia. “Hearing children talk with such enthusiasm about their school and learning made me realise this was exactly the right school for me. It was an honour to be appointed Headteacher at Heathside and to have to opportunity to build on the school’s strong foundations.”

HEART OF HAMPSTEAD

Located in the heart of Hampstead village, Heathside is a friendly, non-academically selective, co-ed Prep school with a great sense of community. The Nursery offers a wonderful introduction to learning from the age of two, and that nurturing environment, which helps pupils to learn and grow, is apparent throughout the school.

Nadia tells us: “I see my role as Head Teacher, not simply a Head; teaching has been my life’s passion and I want to instil that passion in all of the teachers I work with to make sure we are consistently up to date with changes in education, we’re challenging each other in a positive manner and thinking of the best possible ways to continue to provide a first-class education from Nursery, all the way up to Year 8. We meet every child where they are at, and support them endlessly to reach for the stars and to really excel and fulfil their potential.”

“Our academic results are brilliant too and I believe that is what makes us special; providing an all-round, child-centred education that thoroughly prepares pupils to thrive in future life while displaying a sense of kindness and respect for themselves and others.”

FREEDOM TO LEARN

Nadia is a keen gardener, with a long-standing interest in both sustainability and environmental projects, passions she is keen to share with the children. Heathside pupils of all ages make excellent use of nearby Hampstead Heath for play and Forest School. “We use the natural environment to stimulate children’s imaginations and allow them to enjoy free play, climbing trees and building dens. At Heathside, we believe this provides essential balance to a rich and varied curriculum and the pressures of modern city life,” says Nadia.

“I am so proud to be part of a community that is both academic and nurturing, and to witness pupils being able to flourish and enjoy freedom to learn. It is a privilege to be part of Heathside and I am so excited for the future of the school.” To book an appointment for a school tour, call 020 3058 4011 (heathsideprep.co.uk)

HOUSE STYLE

Latest launches, luxurious new lines and eye-catching trends

CURTAIN CALL

PATIO SLEEK

Carl Hansen & Søn’s new outdoor collection AH launches this month. Crafted from FSC-certified solid teak, it is the handiwork of Danish architect Alfred Homann and includes dining and side tables, lounge sofas and footrests, as well as chic, angular dining chairs that are satisfyingly stackable. Utilitarian in design, the pale wood range brings a fuss-free, contemporary look to the patio. Expect the untreated teak to patinate and acquire a silvery hue over time.

From £280. 48a Pimlico Road, SW1W (carlhansen.com)

Lusso’s resincrafted baths are daringly see-through

Just launched at Paris Déco Off is Swiss textile house Christian Fischbacher’s latest range of opulent upholstery and drapery fabrics, which explores the enduring beauty and vulnerability of nature. With a nod to the Arts and Crafts movement, Seeking Beauty focuses on traditional weaving techniques and artisanal craftsmanship. Natural materials such as raw silk are hand-woven to create character and texture, while the collection features painterly landscapes and delicate flowers in bloom.

From £109 (fischbacher.com)

BARE WITNESS

Best known for its traditional stone and marble bathrooms, British brand Lusso takes a design leap with Amore, a collection of two resin-crafted bathtubs, available in Smoked Black and Amber. With their simple stadium shaping, the freestanding tubs are clean-lined and contemporary, sumptuously deep, and daringly see-through. A statement piece to shake up bathroom design in 2023. £2,377 (lussostone.com)

The wood pieces are designed to patinate

1 Emsworth chair, corded velvet Atlantic £1,478 (darlingsofchelsea.co.uk) 2 Jumbo easy squish cushion, teal velvet, £49 (loaf.com) 3 Stoneware mug, azure, £15 (lecreuset.co.uk) 4 Blue ocean recycled throw, £89.99 (xvstripes.com) 5 Liaodong pot, sea blue, £195 (oka.com)

TAKE 5: SEA DREAMS

COLOURFUL KITCHENS

Adding colour to your cooking space boosts mood and wellbeing. New research shows it can also increase the value and saleability of your property

There’s no denying that a new kitchen is a major investment, not just financially but in the style stakes, too. This is a commitment that can set you back tens of thousands, get it wrong and you’ll have to live with your creative choices for years. But in design, fortune favours the brave, and if you dare to go bold you will reap the benefits of a colourful kitchen – and up your property’s desirability in the process.

According to new research from kitchen makers Magnet, homeowners are missing out on adding both value and vibrancy because they’re afraid to venture away from neutral, seemingly safe colourways. The research shows that one in three perceive a white or cream kitchen to be lower in value, while blue and green are said to look the most expensive – yet around half of the homeowners polled admit to having little or no colour in their homes at all. Head of merchandising Hayley Simmons says: “This insightful new research brings to light just how tentative British homeowners can be when it comes to incorporating colour in the home, yet the benefits of opting for richer, more vibrant tones far outweigh any risk. We would highly encourage people to step out of their comfort zone and embrace colour in the kitchen.”

Words by Ali Howard

Farrow & Ball’s forest green Beverly makes a statement alongside the denimlike Selvedge

Cheeringly, the data also shows that Londoners are the bravest in the UK when it comes to kitchen colour choices, with design savvy Capitaldwellers increasingly experimenting with vibrant hues, not just in the cabinetry but on our kitchen walls, small appliances, and (not so) white goods. Brands like Smeg and Everhot are known for their statement kitchen products in bold primary brights or vibrant candy shades, while an accent wall in a strong hue can bring character and energy to an otherwise neutral scheme in the kitchen. For Dawn Filkins, head of creative at Smile Kitchens, it’s not just about the colours we use in our cooking spaces but importantly, how we use them. “Over the last few years, customers have been looking for increasingly colourful kitchen designs, and as we continue to use our homes in different ways, unusual colours will only become more popular,” she says. “Not every kitchen is suited to the same use of colour, and so thinking about the placement of colours in relation to room size, lighting, and the effect you want to create is the key to a truly impactful design. Darker blocks of colour are a great way to add depth and a touch of elegance to the space but will inevitably make the room look smaller. Using wall cabinets in a lighter colour where the base units are darker will keep the luxury feel, whilst creating the illusion of a larger space than with dark cabinetry alone.”

If you’re looking for more colour inspiration from the experts, Rotpunkt’s new Velvet Green is both cool and calming in this updated Shaker style kitchen concept. Thanks to its clean-lined design, it offers a bold colour block without interruption, which only adds to its serene

aesthetic. Brandt Design’s Heritage Furniture kitchen is seen here in Farrow & Ball’s Pelt with SS23’s hottest colour lavender on the walls. Quintain Living’s north London development The Robinson uses bold pops of colour throughout its luxury apartments, representing the spices brought back to Britain from across the commonwealth. A statement splash of saffron yellow will add instant cheer and a sense of optimism to your morning coffee routine. Doyennes of the luxury Ikea hack, Husk have gone blush pink in their New Natura kitchen in Terra, while Farrow & Ball’s case study kitchen successfully flanks the forest green Beverly with the denim-like Selvedge – two of the brand’s 11 newly released paint colours – proving that blue and green should always be seen.

DIRECTORY

Kitchens: Magnet (magnet.co.uk); Smile Kitchens (smilekitchens.com); Rotpunkt (rotpunkt.co.uk); Brandt Design (brandtdesign.co.uk); Husk (madebyhusk. com). Small appliances: Smeg (smeguk.com). Range cookers: AGA (agaliving.com); Everhot (everhot. co.uk). Paint: Farrow & Ball (farrow-ball.com). Developers: Quintain Living (quintainliving.com).

Husk’s New Natura kitchen is shown above in Terra, a playful blush pink

Rotpunkt’s Smala SC is shown here in the new Velvet Green colourway

Brandt Design’s Heritage Furniture looks striking in Farrow & Ball Pelt

Birdie Fortescue

With its mix of antique furniture pieces and layers of tonal soft furnishings, this Georgian doll’s house is elegant inside and out

Words by Ali Howard Photography by Cherise Bailey

When you think of Birdie Fortescue a quintessential Englishness comes to mind. The designer’s eponymous brand offers beautifully crafted collections across lighting, tableware, soft furnishings and larger furniture pieces. With a focus on slow living and future heritage, each carefully considered design is made to be cherished long-term, and it is taken from a gentle, nature-inspired colour palette in which everything perfectly blends. It is no surprise then that Birdie’s red brick abode is fittingly doll’s house pretty.

The grand, seven-bed residence was originally bought by the designer and her husband as a holiday home to enjoy during school breaks, but when the children left their local schools in 2010, the family decided to move in full-time. Birdie tells me that the late-Georgian property had already undergone a significant conversion by the time it fell into the couple’s hands, with a sizeable new kitchen/dining/living room created by connecting two adjoining farm buildings with a glass atrium to make a light-filled space. “Proportions and scale are very important to me,” she says. “I always look for good ceiling height and well-appointed rooms in a house. An open-plan kitchen and dining area, I feel, are a must. I love to have friends and family over and this layout is perfect for entertaining.”

That the house boasts huge sash windows and those requisite high ceilings makes it a dream for Birdie to fill with her collection of elegant antiques, decorative objects, and layers of tonal soft furnishings, positively designed to complement the period features. I wonder how important these historical elements are to the designer when viewing a property. “Character and period details are vital,” Birdie confirms. “The bones of a building need to be intact – but if features are missing they can be salvaged, so I never write off a property for this reason. If you need to build onto a house, then I love a contemporary extension but this needs to balance with the main house to give a harmonious effect.” Birdie describes her interiors style as “clean and classic with a contemporary twist”. She says she loves to add contemporary accents with colour and print to an otherwise traditional interior. “I also love to juxtapose style and periods and always look to achieve a balance and harmony between traditional polished furniture and more relaxed painted pieces to give each room character and individuality.”

Whether it’s the soft colourway, the lightloving windows, or the considered furniture placement, you’re hit with an immediate sense

of tranquillity when you enter Birdie’s countryside dwelling. And there’s a pleasing continuity that runs throughout the property, too. “There is a colour theme running through the house which works as a visual thread and allows each room to lead seamlessly to the next,” she explains. “I love layering pattern through soft furnishings and upholstered furniture, but I make sure this is done in a structured way for an overall calm and balanced effect.”

As much as Birdie’s interior scheme incorporates traditional furniture pieces and a harmonious blend of pattern and print, there are some pleasingly quirky elements, too. Travelinspired touches include chinoiserie wall art and objets in the drawing room; a chic, Mediterraneanfeel stone hallway, and a beautifully rustic bathroom complete with a painted roll top bath that sits underneath a huge shuttered sash window – the epitome of French countryside charm. Amongst the ornate oriental vases on Birdie’s coffee table is a collection of oversized sea shells, a reminder of the property’s previous incarnation. “As we originally used the house as a holiday home, and with its close proximity to the coast, it initially had a beachy feel with lots of painted, informal furniture,” she explains. “When we moved here full-time, bringing with us a collection of more formal furniture, we didn’t want to lose this look, so we mixed the two together. It has given the house a wonderfully eclectic and individual feel, which we love.”

A keen collector, Birdie looks for antique continental furniture pieces from the 18th to the

20th century in particular. “I have several go-to dealers ranging from Lorfords and Brownrigg to Tarquin Bilgen and James McWhirter,” she reveals. “I love the 20th century painted wrought iron console table in our sitting room – the shape is fabulous and it is so simple.” When it comes to newer furniture finds the designer namechecks Soane, Tom Faulkner and Carl Hansen & Søn. But like anyone with a particularly good interiors eye, Birdie has the enviable ability to find homely treasures anywhere. “I bought the set of six Chinese silk painted panels we have in our drawing room from the flea market in Paris,” she says. “They are so decorative and completely make the room. Our set of Swedish, mid-century dining chairs are another favourite. I found a set of five at a fair in France, and had the remaining copied by our talented restorer.”

This March sees the launch of Birdie Fortescue’s SS23 collection, and it’s one particularly close to the designer’s heart: “It is a deeply personal collection, inspired by my trips to Florence,” she tells me. The brand has also just opened a shop in Holt, “a beautiful market town in Norfolk. It is a converted barn with wonderful proportions and it shows our stock off perfectly!” Excitingly, we can also look forward to a pop-up on the King’s Road, starting in early summer for six weeks, and then in the autumn for a further five months. And when she’s not busy scouting for antiques, opening shops, and getting stuck into a new season of luxury homewares, you’ll find Birdie in her very favourite spot at home. “I love the light and space of the big open plan area, which houses the kitchen, dining room and sitting room,” she says. “It is the centre of the house where everything happens and, if you’re stuck in the kitchen, you don’t feel cut off! It is where my family and I spend most of our time.” birdiefortescue.co.uk

1

Boodles & Blues chest of drawers, £885 (frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk) 2 Ori wool throw, Koi Pink, £160 (birdiefortescue.co.uk) 3 Holly table lamp with 25cm empire lampshade in Savannah Green, £110 (pooky.com) 4 Cushion in V&A Heraldic Birds by Arley House, from £85 (janeclayton.co.uk) 5 Coleridge armchair, navy ticking stripe, £2,395 (oka.com)

The rustic bathroom is the epitome of French countryside chic

Patterns and textures are layered through the use of soft furnishings and upholstery

ON DESIGN: IAN CAMERON

Ian is creative director of both award-winning lighting brand, Cameron Design House and its newer sister company Empty State. Whether it’s a large-scale sculptural chandelier or a bespoke statement pendant, every piece is designed and carefully handcrafted in their St. John’s Wood studio

Words by Ali Howard

Kuulas by Cameron Design House

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO GO INTO LIGHTING DESIGN?

I’ve been designing since school and after studying product design at university, I knew this was my passion. In 2014 I launched Cameron Design House, we design and manufacture statement sculptural chandeliers for projects around the world, and in summer 2021 we launched our sister brand Empty State, which specialises in configurable modular lighting.

WHAT’S YOUR DESIGN ETHOS?

For both Empty State and Cameron Design House, we put quality at the forefront of our designs. Every piece is designed to the most intricate of detail ensuring the designs last for a lifetime. Empty State’s ethos is focused around configurable modular design and is inspired by design icons through the ages. Every design is available in a curated collection of states and a variety of finishes, giving you the power to design the perfect piece for your space.

WHICH MATERIALS DO YOU LIKE TO WORK WITH?

We love combining a range of metals with glass. It’s so interesting to see how different materials work alongside and complement each other. We machine all of the parts from solid raw materials in-house before being assembled by hand, with each piece being made to order in our London workshop by our team of skilled craftspeople.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST PROJECTS?

We recently launched Empty State’s first table lamps and wall lights in the form of our Pill and Ball & Hoop designs. Due to the configurable nature of our designs, they are suitable for a variety of spaces and pair beautifully with the pendants in the same form.

For Cameron Design House, we recently worked with House of Walpole on a bespoke one-off residential project, which featured a curated mix of one-of-a-kind pieces from the best British luxury brands. The apartment, adjacent to His Majesty’s official London residence, was designed entirely by Oliver Burns and features a custom-made Inari light in a burnished brass finish from Cameron Design House, designed specifically to complement the space.

ANY LIGHTING TREND PREDICTIONS?

We are noticing a few trends including mirrored brass, which is reminiscent of the Art Deco era. Engagingly opulent and glamorous, its natural light-reflecting qualities deliver a classic yet contemporary look, helping to reflect light around the room. Our Torsa features suspended brass discs at opposing angles that work together to highlight this dynamic and multidimensional material.

From the flowing movement of water to the incredible silhouettes of mountain ranges, nature-inspired design will continue to be a popular trend in our homes. Sculptural lighting resembling incredibly beautiful and organic shapes from the natural world – such as our Haara Metsa, which replicates a weeping willow or the Inari which is inspired by Lake Inari in Finland – add a welcome softness and fluidity to interiors.

Homeowners are seeking unique pieces for their homes that create maximum impact. In 2023, lighting will be the focal point of any room design, with beautifully crafted, oversized and extravagant light fittings taking centre stage. From the sculptural Halti chandelier to the contemporary and modular Kuulas, large and sculptural formations are here to stay.

And from unusual shapes to innovative materials, there is an increased desire from customers looking to be more daring in their design choices. There will be a demand for unusual and eye-catching light pieces that challenge the everyday and are show-stopping art forms in themselves – such as our Helmi light, inspired by a fishing trip to Finland. camerondesignhouse.com; emptystate.com

Ball & Hoop by Empty State

Torsa by Cameron Design House

Haara by Cameron Design House

FOSTERING CURIOSITY

A Year 6 curriculum focused on delivering skills that are important for future success, with no formal SAT testing, fosters curiosity for the important journey into Key Stage 3 and beyond, says Joseph Birchall, Head of King’s Magna Middle School at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE)

At QE, our mission is for all members of our community to aspire to the Hill Standard: ‘To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have’. I am Head of King’s Magna, the middle school of QE’s unique four-school model, here we harness this individuality through an innovative curriculum. This is a curriculum which supports the transition between the Collegiate’s primary education at Chapter House, our Preparatory school, and the demands of GCSEs and beyond in our two senior schools.

In a difference from the traditional school model where children stay in primary education until the end of Year 6, here at QE students join King’s Magna in Year 6 and stay with us until Year 9. We find many students are ready for a new challenge at the end of Year 5, so we made it our focus to develop a unique curriculum for this transitional year, with content designed in partnership between secondary school subject specialists and highly experienced primary age teachers.

Importantly, we have made a crucial decision not to assess our Year 6 students using SATS testing. Instead we assess formally at three points during the year using standardised and moderated ‘common evaluation tasks’ – these are used to track progress and identify what each student is capable of and what they could do to improve further. This decision allows us to focus on delivering those skills that the students need to be successful in Key Stage 3 and beyond.

Our all-encompassing, holistic approach to developing the whole student, which is at the heart of everything we do here at QE, creates a supportive, vibrant and caring school environment throughout King’s Magna. We are committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to move seamlessly to our College or Faculty at the end of Year 9, growing and maturing into their teenage years with confidence.

To find out more about this innovative curriculum, book on to the next Whole School Open Day on 11 March, or to find out how your child can join the Year 6 Taster Day on 8 March, visit qe.org

ACHIEVING FULL POTENTIAL

it works…

Educating three- to seven-year-old boys and girls in a friendly and caring environment has been the school’s strength for over 35 years and Principal & Proprietor Adrian Ellis believes that this, along with the excellent ratio of staff to pupils, allows each child to reach their full potential.

“Of course, together with parents, we look to recognise each child’s unique qualities and particular talents and aim to develop them as fully as possible,” says Mr Ellis. “We want our children to move on to the right schools for them.”

As a result, St John’s Wood Pre-Preparatory has, since 1982, been a ‘feeder’ to many of London’s top preparatory schools, including St Paul’s Juniors, Highgate, South Hampstead High School, University College School and Westminster Under School.

“The sense of a whole-school community is evident in this small school, we become an extension of home and family,” says Mr Ellis. Size matters to St John’s Wood Pre-Prep. By limiting its numbers, most children know every other pupil throughout the school – something that is key to building confidence and developing social skills.

Happy children mean happy parents. One writes: “There are private schools and then there is St. John’s Wood PrePrep.” Mrs R, whose first child attended the school in 2016, going on to study at City of London School for Girls, adds: “We’ve been with Adrian and his staff pre COVID, during the pandemic and now post COVID and they have been very supportive, making sure that they have kept the community atmosphere throughout. It’s one of the reasons my husband and I wanted our son to start his educational journey here.”

Prospective parents are always welcome and frequent oneto-one private tours are planned. To discover what the school can offer your child, book your tour today. Call 020 7722 7149 to find out more (sjwpre-prep.org.uk)

With Felices Erimus as its motto, happiness is at the heart of the philosophy at St John’s Wood Pre-Preparatory School, and

Gus Lock & Rose Hardy

Principals at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School and Habersdashers’

Girls’ School, Hertfordshire

Sixth formers study at least one A Level in a mixed class

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN HEAD?

Gus: Since September 2018.

Rose: Since September 2019.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE SCHOOLS?

Gus: Intellectually curious students and the opportunity to work with two great schools, side by side.

Rose: The ambition and diversity of the student body.

HOW WOULD YOU SUM UP THE SCHOOLS IN A SENTENCE?

We will always look to empower our young people to make a profound impact on society.

WHAT MAKES THEM DIFFERENT?

As a community, we share facilities, engage in joint events and have started providing our students with the best of both worlds – a single sex education within a co-educational environment. We are all on the same campus and, from this academic year, all our sixth formers

study at least one A Level in a mixed class to help prepare them for life outside of Habs. What’s more, the extended essay, visiting speaker programme, enrichment and elective courses, together with A Levels and community service opportunities, make the sixth form experience feel more like a university campus.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ATMOSPHERE AT THE SCHOOLS?

Gus: Energetic, fun and friendly. Rose: Warm, kind and fun.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL EDUCATIONAL ETHOS?

Gus: Every child should enjoy school. Rose: Every child matters.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WITH THE ACADEMIC SIDE? Both schools run on the same timetable and have an extensive coach network, with coaches at

4.15pm and 5.30pm. This allows our students to make the most of all the lunchtime and after-school activities the schools can offer. Many of our clubs and societies are joint, including our Combined Cadet Force which students can choose to be a part of during their full period of co-curricular activity on a Friday. They can also choose Outdoor Education or School Community Service.

The musical life of both schools is particularly busy, with ensembles, many of them also mixed, running every lunchtime and after school. The same goes for our sports offering, which gives students the chance to represent the school at different levels, with options ranging from table tennis to water polo.

All of this is due to the fantastic staff who run a wide range of co-curricular opportunities. We also encourage students to act on their curiosity and ambition if they want to start a club that hasn’t yet been created.

HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER THE WELLBEING OF YOUR PUPILS?

We encourage students to be open in their communication with us and to reach out to the member of staff they feel most comfortable with. They can book an appointment with counsellors at the schools, either by themselves or through members of staff. There are also Designated Safeguarding Leads across the schools who have deputies. But for us, the wellbeing of students is everyone’s responsibility, so the relationships between staff and students are open and supportive.

Boys: Butterfly Lane, Elstree, WD6 (020 8266 1700, habsboys.org.uk)

Girls: Aldenham Road, Elstree, WD6 (020 8266 2300, habsgirls.org.uk)

CARING IN THE COMMUNITY

Across the Capital, independent school pupils are volunteering and fundraising in their local communities – and everyone’s benefiting. We spoke to three leading London schools that are thinking local

Words by Claire Atherton

NAME: The Garden House School

PUPILS: 485 aged 3 to 11

FOUNDED: in 1950 by a ballet teacher, Margery De Brissac Bernard. The current principals both attended the school as children

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

(3+ and 4+)

competition is hot so the school recommends applying within a year of your child’s birth. Around 12 months before their year of entry, the school will invite you and your child to an interview. Offers will be made based on that interview. (8+, boys only) applications are encouraged at least a year before your

son is eligible to join. Registered boys will be invited to an 8+ assessment day in the spring term of their year of entry

DESTINATION

SCHOOLS: Recent leavers have gone to, among others, Eton College, St Paul’s, Westminster and Winchester College; City of London School

for Girls, Putney High School, North London Collegiate and Cheltenham

Ladies’ College

KNOWN FOR: its founding principles of goodness, kindness, forgiveness and a happy, purposeful energy. Boys and girls are mostly taught separately from the age of 4

FEES: from £6,300 per term (for the kindergarten).

Second and subsequent children attending the school at the same time as their elder sibling(s) receive a 5 per cent reduction in fees

Find out more: gardenhouseschool.co.uk

SPOTLIGHT ON The Garden House School

CHRIS JONES, HEAD OF SCHOOL, NORTH BRIDGE HOUSE SENIOR HAMPSTEAD

I always speak to the children about privilege and how important it is to use it well. It’s our job to open their eyes and help them develop a degree of empathy, particularly about what happens on their doorstep.

A lot of the ideas for supporting the community have come from students, parents or staff. For example, a technician who had just started at the school suggested collecting toiletries for The Trussell Trust Food Bank – we donated 94kg! We’ve always had a strong connection with The Royal Free Hospital Children’s School, too, on the suggestion of a parent whose child spent a long time there. We fundraise for the school through our Winter Fair, and one of our English teachers ran a creative writing project which linked up our pupils with theirs.

Before the pandemic, our students also provided reading help in local primary schools and did musical performances at a nearby day centre for older people. We’re getting things back up and running now. Lots of our students volunteer as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award too, and often carry it on afterwards. All these activities build their confidence in talking to adults, which helps them at events like our careers fair. northbridgehouse.com/senior-hampstead

MATT SPICER, OUTREACH COORDINATOR, QUEEN’S GATE SCHOOL

We’ve been engaged in an outreach programme for several years that benefits both our girls and the local community. Every Friday (COVID-19 excepted, of course) we’ve hosted a hot lunch for ladies and gentlemen from Age UK, served by

and shared with our sixth formers. The girls find the differences between their schooldays and those of our Age UK visitors very interesting. Young people today can’t even imagine life without a mobile phone, but many of our visitors remember when the first landline was installed in their homes.

A group of girls also attend a reading project in two schools with children who need supported learning. Being able to watch those children develop has been rewarding for all the girls and could encourage them to consider teaching or the caring professions.

Finally, we take weekly donations from our school families to The Trussell Trust Food Bank in Kensington, where we also help to stock shelves and organise parcels. At Christmas time, we took this one step further and instead of sending out physical cards, we opted for a digital version. We then used the money saved to fund an extra-festive haul of treats for those families whose tables might have been less well laden this year.

queensgate.org.uk

OLIVER HAYES, HEAD OF SERVICE LEARNING, WETHERBY SENIOR SCHOOL

It’s very important to us to have strong links with the community, and our boys have a lot to offer. They’re able and intelligent, and have time to give, especially in Year 12.

We call volunteering ‘service learning’ because we expect pupils to reflect on what they’ve done – why it was good for them as well as the people they helped. One boy recently said that helping with English, maths and science at a local primary school has taught him to think creatively, for example. The boys help in schools both on a one-to-one basis and with small groups. We offer other kinds of support, too – for example, some Year 5 pupils who have never been inside a science lab are coming to see ours soon. They’ll do some fun experiments, and we’ll welcome them in as much as we can. It’s great for our pupils to regularly look outside of themselves to help others.

As well as teaching new skills and broadening their horizons, volunteering also helps them with their university applications. We do brilliantly at sending pupils to the US especially, and they care just as much about everything you’re doing outside of school as about your grades. wetherbysenior.co.uk

Many North Bridge House students volunteer as part of their Duke of Edinburgh

The pupils at both North Bridge House Senior Hampstead and Queen’s Gate School donate to The Trussell Trust Food Bank

A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION: THE BIGGER PICTURE

High-achieving North Bridge House Prep School in Regent’s Park looks beyond the extensive extra-curricular activities we often hear about, combining progressive and traditional methods in its mission to provide not just a broad, balanced education, but a truly enriching life experience.

“Indeed, there are endless extra-curricular opportunities, with close to 40 creative and sporting activities taking place before or after school every week. As with our broad-ranging curriculum, we are on a journey to find each child’s niche, to hone in on it and ensure they fulfil their own unique potential,” says Tom Le Tissier, North Bridge House Prep School Head.

From architecture to karate, documentary making to Greek, the school designs its extracurricular programme to open as many doors to as many passions and interests as possible. Beyond this, however, is a much more traditional and potentially overlooked approach to developing well-rounded individuals.

“We sweat the small stuff here,” says Tom. “Let’s not forget just how important it is for our future generation to be able to conduct themselves appropriately – to practise good manners, articulate with confidence and make not only a good first impression, but a lasting one,” the passionate Head continues.

Outside the classroom, the school uses passings by in the corridor, interactions at lunchtime and healthy debate to engage children in meaningful conversations with their peers and with staff. Whether it’s holding open a door or discussing the latest Six Nations fixture, children are encouraged to build relationships built on manners, which in turn breed confidence.

“The relationships that our teachers form with the children are so important. Cultural capital is a currency that increases in value dayto-day, particularly with young people, and it is through these rich conversations with their teachers that our children become invested members of society,” explains Tom.

Whether it’s the Year 8 children reading to the Reception class, or the pupils’ collaboration with ZSL London Zoo, NBH students are developing habits, skills, and mindsets that build their social, emotional, and academic competence.

“It is about immersing children in the bigger picture from the outset of education,” says Tom. “Peer mentoring is a powerful tool:

in reading to our little ones, the older students identify as role models, develop key social-emotional capacities, and are motivated by a sense of achievement, while the younger children are positively influenced to practise their reading, seeing what it looks like to be fluent. Equally, in talking to experts in zoology, our children gain an understanding of how science is applied in the wider world – beyond the science lab – as well as current perspectives on conservation and ideas as to what more they can do to help preserve our environment.”

At the core of what NBH Prep School does is a progressive, knowledge-rich curriculum, designed to help pupils remember what they have been taught and to impart the skills and attitudes that contribute to success. Alongside a broad offering of humanities, science, technology, mathematics, foreign languages, arts, health and physical education, at Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4), Critical Thinking and Philosophy, Politics and Economics are added to the curriculum. Come Year 5, the school includes a General Studies course to further broaden pupils’ cultural, political and global awareness, with modules including Film Studies and Art History.

“While being explicit about the knowledge that needs to be acquired in order for our children to achieve, we also prioritise the learning of powerful knowledge, worldly knowledge. Knowledge that not only allows our children to fathom Pythagoras’ theorem, but that allows them to understand and thrive in the society they will be working in when they grow up,” explains Tom.

From an understanding of our economy postBrexit to the global political landscape, NBH Prep pupils are prepared for the real world, complete with higher-order thinking skills and practical, problemsolving skills acquired in the great outdoors.

Tom adds: “We balance the use of up-to-theminute tech in class with outdoor learning at Forest School. Our children are learning to navigate the fast-developing digital world into which their future jobs may be born, while understanding the impact of their footprint in the physical world around them and gaining social and emotional enrichment from Mother Nature.”

The NBH Prep School Head concludes: “We offer the complete experience; our school is more than a building; our offering goes beyond education… We are a community with learning at the heart of it, adapting and growing together in order to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.”

For admissions enquiries, call 020 7428 1520, or book a visit at northbridgehouse.com

Schools often talk about providing a well-rounded education, developing wellrounded individuals, but what exactly does that translate to in terms of transferrable skills?

Tom Le Tissier, Head at North Bridge House Prep School explains

MOVING ON UP

Starting senior school can be daunting for parents and children alike. Lindsey Hughes, Headmistress at Channing School, shares her tips for successfully managing the transition

The much-anticipated moment is finally here: your child has a place at senior school and will soon be embarking on their sevenyear secondary school journey. Moving up to secondary school is exciting, but we know it can also be daunting for your child and a time of change for you, too. At Channing we are always there to support our students as they settle into their new environment, and I am sure the same is true wherever your child goes to school. It is particularly important that parents are involved, and I would urge you to get in touch if you think there is anything your child’s new school needs to know or if you have any questions or concerns.

The joy for us, just as much as for you, is watching our new pupils flourish as they grow through our Senior School. As they set out on this journey there is plenty to look forward to and I have no doubt that they will grasp all the opportunities that their new lives have to offer. But how can you help?

With extra-curricular activities and friends, encourage your child to choose a range of school

clubs to try – they can always decide on their favourites at a later date. Encourage them to continue hobbies outside of school but don’t let their schedule become overloaded. Keep a sensible school-home balance – good advice for all of us! Keep most social engagements for the weekends. Join the Parents’ Association and get to know other parents and staff, which will make you feel just as much a part of the school community as your child does.

At home, try to ensure your child eats a healthy breakfast (or attends Breakfast Club at school if they have to leave home early). Create a calm workspace where they can study without interruption. Support them but don’t do their work for them. Help them to organise themselves. Agree routines in advance, such as packing their bag the night before, getting up early and agreeing the time to leave home for school. Encourage good reading habits daily and monitor appropriate use of technology. We recommend that computers and phones leave your child’s bedroom at night, and this will be

easier to enforce when they hit puberty if they have been doing so since the start of secondary school! Try to establish an hour’s down time before bed in order to get a good night’s sleep.

You could practise the journey to school during the summer, so that they are confident to go it alone when the time comes, and once they’ve started don’t forget to keep the school up to date with relevant information and contact details. Last but by no means least, name all of their possessions, it will help avoid the unnecessary cost and stress of having to replace things when they are invariably misplaced.

If you are calm and positive about this exciting new stage in your child’s life, they will be too! Channing School is an independent day school for girls aged 4–18 (020 8340 2328; channing.co.uk)

SPRING FORWARD

Photography by Kathy-Anne Lim

Spring is widely regarded as the ideal time of year to sell your property. With the days getting longer and the temperature milder, there’s typically an uplift in motivated buyers prepared to put in the long hours that house-hunting sessions require. And with more buyers actively looking, there could be a knockon effect, driving up property prices, too. But the change in season brings with it wider connotations. Think notions of renewal and new beginnings… It’s little wonder that for many of us, a new home is on the cards at this time of year.

For John Morris at Day Morris, predicting the start of spring can be as volatile as predicting the undulations of the property market itself: “There can be false starts for the poor daffodils when, at the mere suggestion of a warm spell, up they come out of the cold soil to meet the sun, and then bam! The cold weather

reappears, the poor daffs cop it, and we have to wait for another year to see them again… The property sales market is also at the mercy of nature, and where this is concerned, the official start of spring has no defining date. Spring is when you think the time has come, and God help anything that stands in the way of a determined spring offensive! Properties which were not selling in the tail end of the year to around mid-February often sell for over the asking price. My advice therefore is buy in the winter and sell in the spring. Whenever that may be!”

Glentree’s Trevor Abrahmsohn says that: “when the skies become bluer, days longer, birdsong more pronounced, and the beckoning of spring a reality, sentiments start to lift and, somehow, the woes that made us so depressed seem to melt away. Classically, this has been a good time of the year to sell one’s home and achieve the best price.”

But beyond the blue skies and sunshine, buying and selling in the spring comes with a host of very practical considerations, too. If you’ve decided to sell up after a long time in one property, there’s bound to be a mountain of stuff to sort through before the big move. And what more motivation do you need to embark on a big spring clean?

Trevor has some advice: “What better opportunity to clear the household clutter and paint over any tired, shabby woodwork in readiness for a sale of your property,” he asks. If you live in a house, make sure that the front and rear gardens are rid of any excess winter foliage debris, and that they are tidy, not forgetting the windows, which should be properly cleaned to enhance the garden views.”

Spring’s longer days could mean later viewings, too, opening up your audience to potential buyers unable to leave the office early. Anyone seriously interested in a property will want to see it in the daylight and if they do, they’re typically more likely to put in an offer without the need for a second viewing. Of course, selling in the spring is also about maximizing your property’s curb appeal. With the days brighter and the crocuses blooming, your home will become all the more inviting. “You cannot get a second first impression,” advises Trevor.

If you’re looking to sell your property this spring, it’s important to take a step back and try to see it through your buyer’s eyes. Trevor agrees with this sentiment and argues that a certain emotional detachment can be the difference between an high offer and a hard pass. “Whilst your home has been a sanctuary for the family, it now morphs into an asset, where the value needs to be maximized,” he says, “and you would be well advised to make it look as good as it can. Why not ask a well-intentioned friend to walk around your home and critically point out all the bits that need attention and may be a little shabby?”

And as for the London property market in general, whether we’re buying or selling this spring, summer, autumn or winter, Trevor tells us: “Currently, there is still a shortage of supply in the marketplace and when you appoint your agent to sell, you should be met with some very enthusiastic responses from eager potential buyers if you have pitched the asking terms at the optimal level. While we are still in challenging economic times, there is better news on the horizon.” It looks like it’s not only the weather that’s on the up. daymorris.co.uk; glentree.co.uk

Is spring really the optimum time to market your property? The experts reveal all, with tips on securing a sale

Brighter days and blooming spring flowers cast your home in the best light

My advice therefore is buy in the winter and sell in the spring

John Morris, Day Morris

Spring typically sees an uplift in the number of motivated buyers

ON THE MARKET

We take a peek inside some of the finest properties on the market in Prime London this month

FOR SALE

Kidderpore Avenue, NW3

This sizable maisonette forms part of a newly constructed building, sympathetically designed to blend with the area’s attractive Arts and Crafts architecture. Comprising four double bedrooms and three bathrooms, there’s ample space for a large family to spread out in comfort and style. The property comes complete with a concierge service, beautifully landscaped communal gardens, as well as underground parking, giving you all the benefits of a modern development. Yet, with its own private entrance, there’s a feeling of exclusivity, too. It might look period but underfloor heating and comfort cooling are just some of the luxe mod cons. £2.35 million, Benham & Reeves (020 7435 9681; benhams.com)

FOR SALE Broad Court, WC2B

This interior designed apartment sits pretty at the top of a grand, red brick Georgian building in buzzy Aldwych. The desirable penthouse boasts two bedrooms, two bathrooms, an entertainingfocused kitchen/dining room, and a large, lightfilled living room complete with a unique corner nook to use however you want – a quiet reading spot? A compact but cosy home office space? Beautiful sash windows are met with characterful sloping eaves, while the property’s original period features work harmoniously with the modern glamour of the kitchen and the bathrooms. Sleek, stylish and centrally located. £2.4 million, Chestertons (020 3040 8300; chestertons.co.uk)

FOR SALE Albert Hall Mansions, SW7

As London residential addresses go, this one’s particularly prestigious. The apartment is situated within a red brick mansion block mere moments from the iconic Royal Albert Hall. The flat is arranged over the ground and lower ground floors of the grand period building, and boasts oodles of versatile living space with up to seven bedrooms, four bathrooms and three reception rooms available for family and house guests to fully enjoy. In keeping with the area’s ornate Victorian architecture, the apartment brags period features aplenty with its striking ceiling height and huge sash windows flooding the property with natural light. The apartment also boasts its own private entrance plus a 24-hour concierge service.

£7.25 million, Dexters (020 7838 0108; dexters.co.uk)

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

A house with history that has been updated for modern life, this handsome home ticks all the boxes

If you’re looking for a period property that has been sensitively updated, this is the home for you. Set on one of St. John’s Wood’s most desirable roads, within walking distance of the American School, this handsome semidetached home has been meticulously renovated by the current owners to enhance original features while introducing contemporary finishes and hi-tech modern conveniences, making it the perfect family home.

With energy efficiency a top priority, passive chilled ceilings provide state-of-the-art cooling, perfect for those long, hot summer days, while underfloor heating keeps things cosy when the temperature drops.

Set over four levels and offering a staggering 255 sq m of luxury living space, the property comprises a gorgeous kitchen/ family room on the ground floor, complete with Gaggenau appliances and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry offering oodles of storage. A stunning double reception spans the whole of the raised ground floor level; the double aspect room is light-filled and lovely, with French doors leading onto a Portland stone terrace with BBQ area. The master suite, complete with steam shower and dressing area, is located on the first floor. There are two further spacious bedrooms on the second floor, along with a beautifully appointed family bathroom. A well-equipped guest suite, complete with bathroom, is located on the ground floor. With its own access, this is perfect for a nanny, or for use as a granny annex.

A further basement level houses a cinema room equipped with surround sound, as well as utility room and plant room. And there is loft storage, accessed via an elevator.

Move in ready, the whole property has been exquisitely decorated with bespoke joinery, and parquet flooring throughout. Vibia feature lighting and a Sonos home entertainment system further complement the offering. Look sharp, this isn’t expected to hang around for long. £5.25 million, Savills (020 3043 3600; savills.com)

The double aspect reception opens onto a Portland stone terrace

A handsome period home in a desirable St. John’s Wood location

AWARDWINNING EXPERTISE

My expertise and knowledge of St. John’s Wood and Maida Vale are a great benefit to my clients when searching for their next home – I strive to ensure the whole renting process is made not only as simple as possible, but also completely stress free. The satisfaction I get from receiving 5-star Google reviews has become something of an office joke, but now more than ever before, reviews and social media recommendations are valuable tools when it comes to persuading clients to put their trust in you. I am proud to be part of a lettings team that has just been named Letting Agent of the Year NW8 at the coveted British Property Awards 2022.

houses. One of my favourite roads is Hamilton Terrace, which is home to a variety of grand detached and semi-detached houses and stylish period conversions, most still boasting original features.

Away from work my family is everything to me – my wife, two children and two dogs. I have a passion for football and manage my son’s U12 football team, Wingate & Finchley FC, which provides me with much fulfilment and enjoyment.

Words by Marc Lewis

One of my favourite things about my job is being in and out of the office and meeting international clients, new and old, matching them to their dream rental property –whether that might be a one-bedroom apartment or large family house.

I love working in St. John’s Wood as it offers a sense of village living with its bustling boutique high street, and beautiful wide, leafy streets lined with handsome period

The demand for rental properties in the area is still very strong, we have been seeing a shortage of stock since the middle of last year, and this remains the case. The rental market has enjoyed an extremely busy start to 2023, seeing corporate clients still looking to move to St. John’s Wood and Maida Vale. Alongside our Corporate Services Desk, we work with many large corporate firms relocating staff to London and the level of current searches is up, triggering a very positive outlook. If you are looking to sell or rent your property, contact Marc on 020 7586 7001, or email marclewis@ sjwwinkworth.co.uk (winkworth.co.uk)

For Marc Lewis, Associate Director at Winkworth St. John’s Wood, providing an outstanding service to clients is everything. Meet the man behind the five-star reviews

Proof of Excellence

We are one of the chosen few to partner with Homes & Villas by Marriott International and gain access to their 133 million loyalty members.

Duty of Care

We have a minimum stay of 3 nights, strict guest vetting, pre- and post-stay photo inventories and in-person check-ins.

Your Team

An in-house team of housekeepers, a personal meet and greet team, a dedicated maintenance team and a 24/7 helpline.

The Bells &

We provide fresh linen, towels, bespoke toiletries and kitchen essentials, as well as short-let guest insurance.

Holly Walk

Hampstead Village, NW3

A splendid two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment situated in one of Hampstead’s most historic locations and within a beautiful Grade II listed building designed by Thomas Gardner in 1896. The apartment benefits from a large reception room with wood floors, wood panelling, fireplace, and additional period features, as well as allocated off-street parking. Sole agent.

£1,450,000

leasehold (and share of freehold) with 82 years remaining, in the process of being extended to 999 years.

Hampstead 020 7182 1406

sam.gould@chestertons.co.uk

Marylands Road

Maida Vale, W9

A large three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment spanning over 1,100 sq.ft. and finished to a high specification. The apartment, close to all the amenities and underground station at Warwick Avenue, boasts an open-plan kitchen/reception room, abundant natural light and private patio.

ALBION STREET, W2

A grade II listed Georgian home refurbished to a very high standard excellently situated on Albion Street in the heart of Connaught Village, in the most sought-after locations on the Hyde Park Estate.

4 Bedrooms - En Suite Bathroom - 2 Shower Rooms - Guest WC - 4 Reception Rooms - Kitchen - Kitchenette - Study - Laundry RoomPlant Room - Balcony - Terrace - Courtyard Garden - Residents Parking - 2,867 sq ft - EPC Rating D - Council Tax Band: H

FREEHOLD £5,500,000

PARKLANDS, CHOLMELEY PARK, HIGHGATE, N6

A superb semi-detached house in a private gated development of only 11 houses built in the mid 1990’s, just off Cholmeley Park. This desirable location is close to all the amenities of Highgate Village and within easy reach of Highgate (Northern Line) Underground Station. The property has spacious accommodation, extending to almost 2700sq ft, arranged over four floors, with an integral garage, additional parking, private rear garden and an exceptional, large communal garden.

ALMA STREET, KENTISH TOWN NW5

This beautifully designed three bedroom Victorian house sits on a quiet residential street, occupying an end of terrace position. The accommodation throughout is well planned, and thoughtfully arranged to suit a young family. There is a charming south west facing rear garden, along with a private roof terrace from the first floor. Alma Street is one of Kentish Towns’ most attractive roads and is set just west of the High Street within the Inkerman Conservation Area, accessible to an array of local schools including the Collège Français Bilingue de Londres and many other nearby nursery and primary schools.

Three Bedrooms • Double Reception • Kitchen/Dining Room • Shower Room • Bathroom • Separate Cloakroom

South West Facing Garden • Attractive Sunny Roof Terrace • Council Tax Band G • EPC D

£1,500,000 - Freehold - Sole Agent

This substantial, 3 bedroom apartment benefits from a large double reception room with a dining area and direct access to the homes private terrace. Additionally, the home has access to 2 underground parking spaces, 24 hr porter and a lift

3 Bathrooms

A SPACIOUS CONTEMPORARY APARTMENT WITH A LARGE PRIVATE TERRACE

This apartment is located within a gated new development in Hampstead with access to state-of-the-art amenities including an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a gym, lift access, 24 hr porterage, and underground parking. The home comprises a large open-plan reception area with floor-to-ceiling windows and a large eat-in kitchen.

3 Bedrooms • 3 Bathrooms

INDOOR SWIMMING POOL | COMMUNAL GARDENS | PRIVATE TERRACE | UNDERGROUND PARKING £5,250,000

COURT HAMPSTEAD N6

6 bedrooms 4 bathrooms 3 reception rooms

Standing behind a gated frontage, this charming detached family home is surrounded by countryside and has its own equestrian facilities. Arranged over three floors, the spacious property has a landscaped garden and a swimming pool. EPC D. Council tax band G. 020 3925 6579

ARKLEY, EN5 £2,750,000 FREEHOLD

HELPING PEOPLE FIND THEIR FEET SINCE 1869

Whether you’re about to become a landlord, or part with your forever home, moving isn’t always straight forward. Which is where we come in. We’ll be there for you, with 150 years of expertise-and all the advice you could ever need on your property journey. hamptons.co.uk

5 Tips to prepare your home for the property market

“March is historically known to be the best month to put your home on the market. A few reasons for this include: more daylight hours for viewings, you get the most of two full seasons of sunshine and blossom, you catch all property seekers as they come out of hibernation and plan their next move. To help you get your home looking its best and make the most of the market opportunity, I have put together some of my favourite tips for putting your home on the market.

1.Get your greens in

Bolingbroke Road, W14,

£870,000

Flowers and plants make a big difference to making your home look welcoming and photogenic. Beyond the splashes of bright and beautiful colours, and the delightful smells it introduces into your home when you have viewings, it also implies there’s plenty of sunlight, clean arid and all the right conditions for nature to prosper. This is never a bad feeling to have about a potential home!

Alicia Mitchell Head of UK Marketing Druce UK

2.Getnoticedwithastatementpiece

Standing out from the crowd doesn’t require you to have a dramatically different property, it could be achieved with something much smaller and accessible. A statement piece is a great way for your home to pull focus and make it memorable to a potential buyer or tenant. A few of my favourite ideas include adding a patterned throw over the back of your sofa, a stand-out work of art, or even something bright and colourful on your coffee table.

£1,850,000

Druce has six offices across prime Central London: Marylebone, Chelsea, Kensington, Brook Green, Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill.

Clanricarde Gardens, W2

Druce six offices across London: Marylebone, Brook Green, Ladbroke Grove Notting Hill.

4. De-clutter

3. When in doubt, paint it white

Chiltern Street, W1U

If you’re thinking of giving your home a lick of paint, going white is an easy and smart choice as it makes your home look newer, bigger and brighter. If you’re in doubt about what to do and where to start, speak to our teams before you buy the paint and get wrapped up in plastic protective sheets. Our property experts have seen it all before and would be very happy to advise you on where your quick wins are.

5. Create the right atmosphere

Pont Street, SW1X

Avondale Park Gardens , W11

£1,795,000 £2,000,000

There are all kinds of ways you can do home staging, try focusing on a more sensory experience. The key is to create a welcoming atmosphere and make your property feel homely. A few ideas that can help, include having a scented candle or scent diffuser, mood lighting and anything else you might do if you were hosting a dinner party.

Whether you’re looking to let or sell immediately, or simply have questions about the market whilst you consider your options, please get in touch, we are here to help.

£1,425 per week March 2023 | FABRIC MAGAZINE | 89 LUXURY LONDON LIVING

A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON BUYING, RENTING AND SELLING HOMES.

WESTBOURNE TERRACE, W2, GUIDE PRICE £1,250,000

With close proximity to Hyde Park, the property is a truly exceptional apartment with a fabulous about - 580 sq ft south westerly facing roof terrace. Both elegant, stunning and located on the first floor of this impressive Grade II listed period building.

With beautiful period features the apartment offers a stylish modern design and with French doors opening out to a spectacular about580 sq ft south westerly facing roof terrace. With over three metre ceiling heights throughout the property, together with bespoke tall oak doors and incorporates floor to ceiling windows promoting an abundance of natural light. The accommodation comprises of a triple aspect reception room with parquet flooring and further French doors opening onto another balcony, an open plan fully fitted kitchen which includes Siemens, AEG appliance, double bedroom and bathroom. Subject to the necessary consents - there is an opportunity to add a mezzanine level to create a further bedroom/bathroom should a purchaser chose to do so (plans available on request).

Westbourne Terrace is a most attractive tree lined Street running north from Hyde Park, with Paddington Station (Heathrow Express,) Elizabeth line, Lancaster Gate (central line) and The A40 close at hand.

Service Charge: Appx. £6,200 Per Annum. Ground Rent: NIL Per Annum. Council Tax Band: E EPC: D

PADDINGTON & BAYSWATER | 020 7467 5770

paddington@winkworth.co.uk

Antrim Road, NW3

£1,175,000 Asking Price

Extremely spacious 2 double bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment

Set in popular well maintained mansion block

Direct access to well tended communal gardens

Ground floor with over 1000 sq ft of well proportioned accommodation

19ft reception with wood flooring and feature fireplace

Belsize Park Office 020 7431 1234

17ft dual aspect eat-in kitchen diner 14ft main bedroom with en suite shower room and beautiful garden views

Second double bedroom and bathroom with window

Share of freehold

Moments to Englands Lane, Primrose Hill and Belsize Park

South Hampstead 020 7625 4567

nw6@parkheath.com

West Hampstead 020 7794 7111

192@parkheath.com

Property Management 020 7433 6174

pm@parkheath.com

Belsize Park 020 7431 1234

nw3@parkheath.com

Kentish Town 020 7485 0400

kt@parkheath.com

Kensal Rise 020 8960 4845

kensal@parkheath.com

parkheath.com

parkheath_londonrealestate

SHARE OF LEASEHOLD

SOLE AGENT

A luxurious, spacious and bright apartment (2,765 sq ft / 257sq m) set on the first floor of this prestigious and secure, gated development comprising 12 flats and a penthouse, with 24 hour porterage coupled with CCTV coverage. The block directly abuts Hampstead Heath and is located within easy walking distance of Spaniards Inn and Kenwood House, approximately 10 minutes walk from Hampstead Village and tube. The property comprises 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 3 spacious reception rooms including a drawing room, dining room and study with fireplace, a spacious kitchen, utility room, guest cloakroom and a large balcony overlooking the private gardens and offering panoramic views over Hampstead Heath and the City. Additional features include: marble floors an extensive balcony overlooking beautiful landscaped communal gardens with tennis court and a lift. Spaniards Park boasts many additional features including and indoor leisure complex with swimming pool, gym and changing rooms, underground parking for 3 cars and use of the magnificent communal gardens, visitor parking and gated access.

4 bedrooms | 4 en suite bathrooms | reception room | dining room | study | kitchen/breakfast room | utility room | guest cloakroom, large terrace overlooking the magnificent communal gardens with tennis court | 24 hour concierge | lift | indoor leisure complex with swimming pool | gym and changing rooms | underground parking for 3 cars | ample visitor parking | the development is fully gated with CCTV.

HAMPSTEAD HEATH, NW3 £6,350,000

A super 5 bedroom semi detached Edwardian family home.

A beautifully presented home offering versatile family and entertaining spaces arranged on two floors. The ground floor provides 2 separate reception rooms, study, dining room, kitchen, guest cloakroom/utility room and a mature, well stocked 70’ West facing patio and garden. Five bedrooms on the upper floor, including the master bedroom with en-suite shower room, and a separate family bathroom and WC. Potential to convert a large loft (STPP). It is also in close proximity to highly regarded primary and secondary schools including Channing and Highgate School.

Portman Mansions

Marylebone

London W1

Furnished

£1,845 per week

Principal Agent

A superb 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment (159.8 sq m/1,721 sq ft) situated on the first floor of this soughtafter mansion building in the heart of Marylebone Village. Portman Mansions is well-located for the world class amenities of Marylebone High Street and the West End, together with the green open spaces of Regent’s Park. The transport links are excellent from nearby Underground Stations including Baker Street (0.4 miles), Edgware Road (0.6 miles), Bond Street (0.7 miles) and Marble Arch (0.9 miles).

Accommodation and Amenities

Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Shower Room, 2 Further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Reception Room/ Dining Room, Kitchen, Balcony. EPC: C. Council Tax: Band G.

40 Years

Experience in Marylebone Village

NOTTINGHAM PLACE, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1

We are delighted to bring to the market this unique cottage in the heart of Marylebone Village. The entire new cottage is built behind existing 1840s Georgia brick and stucco facade. This three story cottage is approximately 1,713 sq ft (159 sq m) set over lower ground, ground and first floors.

Nottingham Place is located moments away from Marylebone High Street and the green spaces of Regent’s Park. Baker Street and Bond Street Underground Stations are also within close proximity.

LEASEHOLD

£2,750,000

DEVONSHIRE PLACE, MARYLEBONE VILLAGE, LONDON W1

This three bedroom apartment is approximately 1,842 sq ft (171 sqm) located on the ground floor and first floor.

The ground floor comprises of entrance hall, reception room, office, cloakroom, kitchen. The first floor comprises of three double bedrooms benefiting from en suite bathroom. The property boasts high ceilings with plenty of storage.

Devonshire Place is conveniently located moments from Marylebone High Street together with the open spaces of Regents Park. The building is located on the west side of Devonshire Place close to the junction with Devonshire Street. Transport links can be found from a number of nearby underground and train stations (Baker Street, Bond Street and Regents Park), as well as access to the Marylebone Road, A40 and M40.

£1,750 PER WEEK

ST JOHN’S WOOD, NW8

A stunning & stylish 2 bedroom apartment (approx. 666 sq.ft. / 61.90 sq.m.) on the 2nd floor in this popular purpose built block within 5min walk to St John’s Wood High Street, Underground Station as well as short stroll to Regent’s Park.

RECEPTION ROOM • DINING AREA • KITCHEN WITH PRIVATE BACK DOOR TO STAIRS LEADING DOWN TO THE SPACIOUS COMMUNAL GARDENS • 2 DOUBLE BEDROOMS • MODERN BATHROOM • LIFT • CARETAKER • EPC C

MAIN AGENT

£700 PER WEEK

ST JOHN’S WOOD, NW8

A spacious 1 bedroom apartment (approx. 514 sq.ft. / 47.8 sq.m.) situated on the 1st floor of this secure portered mansion block, located off the popular Abbey Road.

RECEPTION ROOM • KITCHEN • DOUBLE BEDROOM WITH FITTED WARDROBES • FAMILY BATHROOM • WOOD FLOORING THROUGHOUT • LIFT • 24HR PORTER • COMMUNAL HEATING & HOT WATER IS INCLUDED IN THE RENT • EPC C

SOLE AGENT

105 ST JOHN’S WOOD TERRACE, NW8 6PL 020 7722 7222

www.behrandbutchoff.com

* The Tenant may have to pay credit reference and admin charges as indicated on our website under Tenant Information.

£445 PER WEEK

Highly recommended for sales, lettings and property management in North West London

Very pleasant experience. James was very responsive and made the whole process smooth and easy! To my surprise, it was genuinely stress free. They are polite and they were responsive and communicated well throughout. Would definitely recommend.

Dutch & Dutch have been wonderful in helping us to manage our properties. Huw Howell-Pryce in particular went above and beyond in making the process stress free and seamless. Highly recommend!

Dutch & Dutch are a professional, polite & organised agency and its a pleasure to deal with them. Bianca is highly knowledgeable and always goes the extra mile to ensure the service offered is of the highest standard. I would highly recommend them.

James Clark Head of Sales 020

Bianca Selman (MARLA) Head of Residential Property Management 020 7443 9863